A Tale of Two Derbies: Atletico Madrid’s Redemption Against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey
Madrid, Spain – In a highly anticipated rematch of their thrilling Spanish Super Cup encounter just a week prior, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid locked horns once again, this time in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals, with a spot in the semifinals on the line. The Metropolitano Stadium, packed to capacity, witnessed a pulsating encounter that ebbed and flowed, ultimately decided in extra time by two decisive goals from Antoine Griezmann and Rodrigo Riquelme, securing a 4-2 victory for Diego Simeone’s side.
A Night of Blunders and Redemptions
The opening half unfolded with a flurry of action, as both teams traded blows in a fiercely contested battle. Atletico Madrid drew first blood in the 39th minute, courtesy of a swift counterattack. Samuel Lino capitalized on a miscue by Real Madrid’s Antonio Rudiger, who miskicked a clearance, gifting the ball to the Atletico winger, who coolly slotted it past goalkeeper Andriy Lunin from close range.
However, Real Madrid responded swiftly, capitalizing on a mistake by Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak just before halftime. Luka Modric’s teasing free-kick found Oblak attempting to punch the ball away, but the Slovakian international misjudged the trajectory, sending the ball into his own net, much to the dismay of the home crowd.
The second half continued in a similar vein, with both teams pushing forward in search of the advantage. In the 57th minute, another defensive lapse by Real Madrid proved costly. Eduardo Camavinga’s poor pass back to his own area caused confusion between Lunin and Rudiger, allowing Alvaro Morata to pounce on the loose ball and tap it into an empty net, sending the Metropolitano into raptures.
As the clock ticked down, Real Madrid pressed for an equalizer, and their efforts were rewarded in the 82nd minute. Morata, who had earlier missed a gilt-edged chance, inadvertently set up Joselu with a wayward pass. The substitute forward made no mistake, heading home from close range to level the scores and force extra time.
Griezmann and Riquelme Seal the Victory
With the match seemingly destined for a penalty shootout, Atletico Madrid produced two moments of magic in extra time to clinch the victory. In the 100th minute, Griezmann displayed his brilliance, dispossessing Vinicius Junior on the halfway line and embarking on a mazy run into the Real Madrid penalty area. The French forward coolly slotted the ball past Lunin, sending the Metropolitano into a frenzy.
Atletico Madrid put the icing on the cake in the 119th minute through Riquelme. The youngster capped off a flowing team move with a tidy finish, securing a memorable victory for his side and sending them into the Copa del Rey semifinals.
Simeone’s Delight, Ancelotti’s Disappointment
After the match, Diego Simeone expressed his delight at the victory, praising his team’s performance and highlighting Griezmann’s stunning goal. The Argentine manager also acknowledged the heated exchange he had with Vinicius Junior at the end of regulation time, attributing it to the intensity of the match.
Carlo Ancelotti, on the other hand, was left to rue his team’s mistakes and missed opportunities. The Italian manager admitted that Real Madrid’s 21-match unbeaten run had come to an end, but he remained optimistic, emphasizing the competitive nature of the match and the importance of moving forward.
A Quarterfinal Draw Full of Intrigue
With their victory, Atletico Madrid joined Barcelona, Girona, Real Sociedad, Celta Vigo, Mallorca, Athletic Bilbao, and Sevilla in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals. The draw for the semifinals will be held soon, promising another round of captivating encounters as the competition reaches its business end.
Conclusion
The Copa del Rey quarterfinal clash between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid lived up to its billing, delivering a thrilling spectacle that showcased the intensity and passion of Spanish football. The match was a tale of two derbies, with Atletico Madrid emerging victorious after a rollercoaster ride of emotions. The stage is now set for the semifinals, where the remaining contenders will vie for a place in the final and a chance to lift the coveted Copa del Rey trophy.