Antoine Griezmann fires Atletico Madrid into the Copa del Rey quarterfinals with a superb free kick in a 1-0 away win at Deportivo La Coruña.
Antoine Griezmann’s moment of quality was enough to send Atlético Madrid into the Copa del Rey quarterfinals. The French forward scored the only goal in a 1-0 win away to Deportivo La Coruña. It was a disciplined performance from Diego Simeone’s side in a tricky single elimination tie. The result also ended Atlético’s brief two game winless run.
Playing at a lively Estadio Riazor, Atlético faced an organised second division opponent. Deportivo defended deep and looked to disrupt rhythm early. The visitors dominated possession but found space hard to come by. Patience proved crucial as the match developed.
Atlético created the clearer chances in the first half. Julián Álvarez tested Germán Parreño with a firm header inside the opening stages. Matteo Ruggeri then struck the post with a curling effort from distance. Griezmann went close before the break, rattling the crossbar with a fizzing shot.
Despite that pressure, Deportivo held firm. The hosts limited Atlético to speculative efforts and blocked several shots. Simeone’s side moved the ball well but lacked a final touch. The game remained finely balanced at half time.
The breakthrough arrived just after the hour mark. Atlético won a free kick in a central position, slightly right of goal. Griezmann stepped up and curled a left footed strike into the top corner. Parreño had no chance as the ball flew beyond his reach.
It was Griezmann’s fifth goal in his last six matches in all competitions. The strike highlighted his importance during a demanding stretch of fixtures. Atlético had the lead their control deserved.
Deportivo responded with renewed energy after falling behind. Adrià Altimira forced Juan Musso into a sharp save with a low drive. Samuele Mulattieri later headed over from a promising position as pressure briefly mounted. Atlético remained compact and disciplined.
Simeone’s side were happy to sit deep and manage the closing stages. A brief stoppage followed a collision involving Griezmann and Parreño, who required treatment to a mouth injury. The goalkeeper continued after receiving stitches on the pitch. Atlético saw out the final minutes with composure.
Atlético attempted 15 shots across the match and posted an expected goals figure above one. Deportivo managed 10 efforts but struggled to create clear chances. The away side also enjoyed their best recent run on the road. They are now unbeaten in five away matches in all competitions.
The win sends Atlético into the Copa del Rey quarterfinals, keeping hopes of a first title since 2013 alive. Griezmann’s record in the competition remains elite. Only Lionel Messi has been involved in more goals in the modern Copa era. His influence continues to shape Atlético’s season.
In La Liga, Atlético sit fourth at the halfway point. They trail leaders Barcelona by 11 points but remain well placed in the top four race. Simeone will be encouraged by the control shown in a potential banana skin fixture.
Atlético now turn attention back to league action this weekend. A home fixture against Alaves awaits as they look to build momentum before the next European commitments also return later in the month with ties against Galatasaray and Bodo/Glimt either side of a home league fixture against Mallorca.
Deportivo resume their Segunda División campaign aiming to respond positively. They remain in the top six, four points behind leaders Racing Club. The performance showed resilience despite the exit. Focus now shifts to pushing up the table after a spirited cup run.
