Real Madrid Vs Atletico Madrid: ATLETI secured a spot in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals with a thrilling extra-time victory over Real Madrid, ending the match with a 4-2 score line.

Real Madrid Vs Atletico Madrid: At the Wwanda Metropolitano, Alletico Madrid emerged victorious over their rivals Real in an exhilarating Copa del Rey last-16 encounter. The scoring was initiated by Samuel Lino, followed by a Jan Oblak own goal that brought the scores level. Alvaro Morata believed he had secured a winning goal, yet Joselu’s equalizer extended the game into extra time. Nevertheless, it was Antoine Griezmann and Rodrigo Riquelme who ultimately propelled the home team to triumph.

Atletico Madrid emerged victorious in a thrilling encounter against their rivals Real Madrid, triumphing with a 4-2 scoreline and securing their place in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey. The match reached extra-time, where Antoine Griezmann and Rodrigo Riquelme showcased their brilliance by scoring two crucial goals. This remarkable victory brought an end to Real Madrid’s impressive unbeaten streak of 21 matches. In the early stages of the game, Los Blancos had a promising opportunity when Jude Bellingham skillfully maneuvered his way into the penalty area, skillfully evaded Axel Witsel, and unleashed a powerful strike that unfortunately struck the crossbar.

Real Madrid were once again denied a goal just eight minutes later, this time due to an impressive display of goalkeeping by Jan Oblak. The Slovenian quickly reacted to a deflection, diving to his right to keep the ball out before swiftly moving to his near post to deny Rodrygo on the follow-up.

Atletico Madrid took the lead six minutes before halftime when Antonio Rudiger’s attempt to clear Rodrigo De Paul’s cross only redirected it towards Samuel Lino at the back post. Lino reacted swiftly and fired the ball past Andriy Lunin.

Real Madrid didn’t have to wait long to equalize, responding just five minutes later. Oblak made a mistake while attempting to catch Luka Modric’s free-kick, resulting in the ball sailing over his head and into the net.

Just before the hour-mark, Atletico Madrid capitalized on a defensive mix-up, the second of the game. This time, Lunin and Rudiger failed to communicate effectively, allowing Alvaro Morata to calmly slot the ball into an empty net.

Real Madrid came agonizingly close to equalizing 15 minutes before the end when Rodrygo’s powerful strike deflected off an Atletico Madrid player and hit the crossbar.

With only eight minutes of normal time remaining, Los Blancos found their equalizer. A superb cross from Bellingham found substitute Joselu at the back post, who had only been on the pitch for a few minutes. Joselu headed the ball home, securing the goal that sent the match into extra time.

In the 100th minute, Griezmann put Atletico Madrid ahead 3-2 with a sensational solo goal. The club’s all-time leading goalscorer sprinted down the right-hand side, evading Vinicius Junior near the byline, and unleashed a powerful shot from a difficult angle that found the top corner of the net.

Riquelme sealed the victory for Atletico Madrid with just a minute remaining on the clock. Confidently finishing past Lunin after being set up by Memphis Depay, Riquelme’s goal prompted an ecstatic Diego Simeone to sprint onto the pitch and celebrate with his players.
Real Madrid has suffered only two defeats this season in all competitions, both inflicted by Atletico Madrid.

Atletico’s Revenge: A Talking Point

Just a mere eight days ago, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid clashed in a cup competition, resulting in a draw after 90 minutes, much like tonight’s match. However, in the Supercopa de Espana, Real Madrid managed to score twice in extra time, securing a 5-3 victory and advancing to the final.

Tonight presented an opportunity for Diego Simeone’s team to seek revenge, and they certainly seized it. As the clock ticked towards the end of the regulation time, a sense of déjà vu filled the air, perhaps even a feeling of “not this again” for the Atletico players. Nevertheless, in Madrid, thanks to the efforts of Antoine Griezmann and Rodrigo Riquelme, it was Atletico’s night to shine.

Real Madrid entered this match with an impressive unbeaten streak of 21 matches across all competitions, with their last defeat occurring back in September. And who was the team responsible for that defeat? None other than Atletico Madrid.

Despite trailing their city rivals by 10 points in La Liga, Atletico has now emerged victorious against them for the second time in three encounters. It is the Colchoneros who march on to the quarter-finals, displaying their resilience and determination.

ANTOINE GRIEZMANN (ATLETICO) – THE STAR PLAYER OF THE MATCH

Prior to the game, Griezmann found himself surrounded by his family, as the club presented him with a special shirt to commemorate his recent achievement of becoming Atletico’s all-time leading goalscorer. The Atletico supporters passionately chanted their hero’s name, expressing their gratitude for his contributions to the club.

It is quite fitting, then, that approximately 100 minutes later, Griezmann propelled Atletico ahead in extra time against their city rivals, Real Madrid, leading them to the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey. Throughout the match, Griezmann showcased his usual involvement, seeking to operate between the lines and exploit spaces on the field. His passing was precise, and he effectively kept Atletico’s momentum going. However, it was his goal alone that truly deserved recognition, as it was a moment of pure brilliance from a truly exceptional player.

Ratings of Players

Atletico Madrid: Oblak with a rating of 7, Witsel with a rating of 6, Gimenez with a rating of 7, Hermoso with a rating of 7, Llorente with a rating of 7, De Paul with a rating of 7, Koke with a rating of 7, Saul with a rating of 6, Lino with a rating of 7, Morata with a rating of 7, and Griezmann with a rating of 8. The substitutes include Molina with a rating of 7, Riquelme with a rating of 7, Barrios with a rating of 6, Depay with a rating of 6, and Azpilicueta and Savic with no rating available.

Real Madrid: Lunin with a rating of 7, Mendy with a rating of 6, Nacho with a rating of 6, Rudiger with a rating of 6, Carvajal with a rating of 6, Valverde with a rating of 6, Camavinga with a rating of 6, Modric with a rating of 6, Bellingham with a rating of 8, Vinicius with a rating of 6, and Rodrygo with a rating of 6. The substitutes include Kroos with a rating of 7, Diaz with a rating of 6, Tchouameni with a rating of 6, Joselu with a rating of 7, Garcia with a rating of 6, and Ceballos with a rating of 6.

Key Moments from the Match

12’ BELLINGHAM HITS THE CROSSBAR WITH FORCE! – Jude Bellingham almost scored a mesmerizing goal. He swiftly entered the penalty area, skillfully maneuvered the ball through Witsel’s legs, and unleashed a powerful strike that struck the crossbar. Oblak had no chance to save it, and Atletico can credit the woodwork for their fortune.

20’ OBLAK MAKES IMPRESSIVE SAVES! – Jan Oblak exhibits his brilliance by making two outstanding saves. One was from a deflection, and he immediately springs back up to deny Rodrygo’s attempt at the near-post. The Slovenian goalkeeper’s superb performance keeps the game level.

39’ GOAL! ATLETICO MADRID 1-0 REAL MADRID (SAMUEL LINO) – The home team takes the lead in the Copa del Rey! De Paul’s lofted pass over the defense is headed by Rudiger into the path of Samuel Lino, who reacts swiftly and fires the ball into the net, leaving Lunin with no chance.

45’ GOAL! ATLETICO MADRID 1-1 REAL MADRID (OWN GOAL) – Luka Modric delivers a free kick, Oblak comes out to claim it, but a miscommunication leads to the ball finding its way into the back of the net! An unfortunate own goal levels the score.
58’ GOAL! ATLETICO MADRID 2-1 REAL MADRID (MORATA) – Diego Simeone’s team seizes the lead for the first time in the match! A dreadful mix-up between Lunin and Rudiger at the back results in the ball falling to Morata, who capitalizes on an open net and confidently slots it home.

75’ RODRYGO UNLUCKY AS HIS SHOT HITS THE CROSSBAR! – Real Madrid comes agonizingly close to equalizing! Rodrygo’s deflected effort strikes a Real Madrid player and bounces off the crossbar.

82’ GOAL! ATLETICO MADRID 2-2 REAL MADRID (JOSELU) – Real Madrid finds the equalizer! Jude Bellingham delivers an excellent cross to the back post, and Joselu is there to head it home just moments after coming onto the pitch!

119’ GOAL! ATLETICO MADRID 4-2 REAL MADRID – Atletico Madrid secures their place in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey with a goal from Rodrigo Riquelme, making it 4-2 against Real Madrid. The 23-year-old confidently slots the ball past Lunin after receiving a pass from Memphis Depay.

KEY STAT

Real Madrid’s unbeaten record remains intact this season, with only two defeats suffered in all competitions, both at the hands of Atletico Madrid.