Simeone Hails ‘Incredible’ Álvarez as Atlético Thrash Barcelona in Copa Semi-Final

Diego Simeone hailed Julián Álvarez as “incredible” after the forward ended his goal drought in emphatic fashion during Atlético Madrid’s 4-0 demolition of Barcelona in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final.

Álvarez had not scored since 9 December, enduring an 11-match barren run, but the Argentina international delivered a commanding display at the Metropolitano on Thursday night.

He first provided a superb assist for January signing Ademola Lookman to make it 3-0 inside 30 minutes, before adding Atlético’s fourth before the interval to cap a devastating first-half performance.

Simeone Delighted with Response

“The facts speak for themselves with Álvarez,” Simeone said in his post-match press conference.

“The assist for Lookman was fantastic. His work rate in the first half was incredible.

“Scoring goals is something he naturally has, and thank goodness he’s back. He needed that goal so much, and it will certainly help him reset for what lies ahead.”

Right-back Nahuel Molina also praised his international team-mate.

“He’s an incredible player and an incredible person,” Molina said. “He’s a winner. He’s a fighter, and he will always keep moving forward because that’s who he is.”

Copa Offers Hope for Silverware

Atlético’s season has been inconsistent, and the Copa del Rey now represents their clearest opportunity to claim silverware. They currently sit 13 points behind the leaders in LaLiga and face a Champions League play-off against Club Brugge later this month.

The second leg against Barcelona will take place at Camp Nou on 3 March, with Atlético carrying a commanding advantage into the return fixture.

Metropolitano Energy Proves Decisive

Simeone credited the atmosphere at the Metropolitano for inspiring his side’s blistering display against Hansi Flick’s Barcelona, who had beaten Atlético 3-1 in their most recent LaLiga meeting in December.

“The four forwards — Giuliano Simeone, Julián, Antoine Griezmann and Lookman — interpreted the spaces the opponent left exceptionally well,” Simeone said.

“This game will remain in our memories, whatever happens in the tie. We will remember a performance like this. Our supporters need nights like this — big games, semi-finals.”

Atlético now stand on the brink of a place in the Copa del Rey final, having produced one of their most complete performances of the season at a crucial moment.