The Wanda Metropolitano witnessed a night of high-octane football and spectacular comebacks as Atletico Madrid defeated arch-rivals Real Madrid 4-2 in a thrilling Copa del Rey round of 16 clash. Extra time was the stage for Atlético’s dramatic victory, which showed the flexibility, tactical acumen and the magic touch of Antoine Griezmann.
First Half Fireworks:
The match came alive from the start, with Samuel Leno putting Atlético ahead early on after a defensive error by Antonio Rudiger. Real Madrid responded through Alvaro Morata, taking advantage of a mistake by Thibaut Courtois to level the score just before halftime. The first half ended with both the teams tied, leading to a tense contest in the second half.
Second Half Stalemate:
Both teams dug deep in the second half, displaying defensive discipline and tactical awareness. The chances were slim, with neither side willing to give up control. Joselu came closest for Atlético, shattering the crossbar with a late header, but the score remained tied at 1–1, forcing the tie into extra time.
Griezmann’s magic moment:
Extra time proved to be Atlético’s platform. Antoine Griezmann, returning to face his former club, worked his magic in the 100th minute. Picking up the ball from the right side, he dodged the defenders before unleashing a powerful shot that hit the bar and into the net. The Wanda Metropolitano erupted in festive noise.
Riquelme seals the deal:
Taking advantage of their momentum, Atletico stopped the game in the 119th minute. Rodrigo Riquelme took advantage of a breakaway opportunity and calmly finished past Courtois, sending Atlético fans into jubilation. As the final whistle blew, Atletico Madrid secured a memorable 4-2 win over their cross-town rivals and booked their place in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals.
key takeaways:
- Atletico Madrid displayed impressive resilience and fighting spirit to overcome Real Madrid in a tense encounter.
- Antoine Griezmann’s moment of individual brilliance proved decisive in the extra time period.
- This win is a vital psychological boost for Atletico as they continue their push for silverware on multiple fronts.
The Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid Copa del Rey clash was a masterclass in drama, tension and ultimately Atletico’s unwavering determination. With both teams competing for La Liga glory, this Copa del Rey win serves as a powerful reminder of the intense rivalry between these two Madrid giants.
Did you watch the match? What were your favorite moments? Share your thoughts and keep the conversation going about this epic Madrid derby!