Atlético Madrid earned a 4-0 win over Barcelona in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals, with the Argentine players playing a central role in the result.

The scoring opened early after an own goal by Eric García in the sixth minute. From there, Atlético took control, and the Argentine presence began to grow in influence. Nahuel Molina was directly involved in the second goal, providing the assist for Antoine Griezmann in the 14th minute after a well-worked team move down the right flank.

Julián Álvarez was active from the start. In the 33rd minute, he contributed with an assist, setting up Ademola Lookman to make it 3-0. Álvarez showed awareness inside the box and delivered a precise pass that allowed his teammate to finish comfortably.

Just before halftime, the Argentine forward ended his scoring drought in 2026. After receiving a pass from Lookman outside the area, Álvarez struck a powerful shot that beat the goalkeeper and made it 4-0. The goal marked his first of the calendar year and capped a strong individual performance that included both a goal and an assist.

Giuliano Simeone was also involved throughout the first half, making runs in behind and helping stretch Barcelona’s defensive line. His movement created space and contributed to Atlético’s attacking rhythm during the opening stages.

In goal, Juan Musso delivered a solid performance. Although Barcelona attempted to respond in the second half, Musso made key saves to preserve the clean sheet. A goal by Barcelona was ruled out after a lengthy review for offside, helping Atlético maintain their advantage.

Thiago Almada entered the match in the 73rd minute, adding fresh energy in midfield as Atlético managed the final stages of the game.

With the 4-0 win, Atlético Madrid take a significant advantage into the second leg, scheduled for March 3 at Camp Nou. The Argentine players were decisive in the first meeting, with Álvarez leading the way in one of the team’s most complete performances of the season.

Mauro Icardi continues his strong run of form with Galatasaray. The Argentine forward scored a hat-trick in his team’s 5-1 win over Eyüpspor on matchday 22 of the Turkish league.

With his three goals, Icardi now has 13 in the domestic league. He is Galatasaray’s leading scorer this season and currently ranks third overall in the Turkish Süper Lig scoring table.

Around the half-hour mark, Icardi scored his first of the night. After a long-distance shot was saved by the goalkeeper, the ball fell into his path and the Rosario-born striker finished from close range to make it 2-0.

In the second half, Galatasaray extended their lead after a mistake in Eyüpspor’s build-up play. Victor Osimhen went one-on-one with the goalkeeper but, as space closed down, he passed the ball across to Icardi, who calmly finished to score his second and make it 3-0.

Icardi completed his hat-trick shortly after. Barış Alper Yılmaz made a run in behind and played a cross into the box. The initial attempt from Osimhen did not go in, but Icardi was well positioned to convert the rebound and secure his third goal of the match.

Eyüpspor pulled one back later in the game, but an own goal restored Galatasaray’s four-goal advantage and sealed the 5-1 result. The win keeps Galatasaray at the top of the table, with Icardi playing a key role in the team’s title push.

José Manuel López scored for Palmeiras in their 1-0 win against Corinthians.

The Argentine had the only goal of the game, reaching three goals and three assists in the Paulista. With the score at 0-0, the initial effort on goal was saved by the goalkeeper but the 25 year old would get to the rebound and score to give Palmeiras the 1-0 lead.

Inter earned a clear 5–0 away win over Sassuolo in Serie A, with Lautaro Martínez once again playing a key role in the result and in the club’s season.

The match was not easy at the start. Sassuolo tried to keep possession and limit Lautaro’s space, which pushed the Argentine forward to drop deeper and help with buildup and pressure. His work without the ball helped Inter slowly take control and grow into the game.

Lautaro made the difference early in the second half. Positioned closer to goal, he controlled the ball inside the box and finished with a low shot with his left foot to score Inter’s third goal and put the match out of reach. That goal was also historic, as it was his 171st for the club, allowing him to equal the record as Inter’s third all-time top scorer.

With 13 goals, Lautaro Martínez is the current top scorer in Serie A, and this latest win allowed Inter to move further clear at the top of the table, opening an eight-point gap over their closest rival AC Milan, who still has a game to play.