Atletico Madrid secured a dramatic 4-2 victory over arch-rivals Real Madrid in extra time, thanks to goals from Antoine Griezmann and Rodrigo Riquelme, advancing to the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Barcelona narrowly clinched a 3-1 win against third-tier Unionistas de Salamanca, securing passage to the next round in a less-than-convincing manner.
In an intense clash at Atletico’s Metropolitano stadium, the second of three Madrid derbies in less than a month, Atletico emerged victorious, handing Real Madrid their second defeat of the season across all competitions. Madrid twice leveled the score in regular time, with Jan Oblak’s own goal canceling out Samuel Lino’s opener, and Joselu scoring late after Morata had put Atletico ahead again.
In extra time, Griezmann’s clinical finish on the right and Riquelme’s late strike sealed the victory for Atletico, avenging their 5-3 defeat to Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup semifinal the previous week. The defeat ended Madrid’s 21-match unbeaten run.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti commented, “I don’t think Atletico have the measure of us, because we beat them a few days ago. We played a complete, even, hard-fought game against a strong rival.”
The match remained end-to-end, with Jude Bellingham hitting the crossbar for Madrid before Atletico took the lead through Lino. However, Real Madrid leveled the score before halftime when Luka Modric’s free-kick drew Oblak out of his goal, resulting in an own goal.
Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior celebrated the equalizer passionately, emphasizing the intense rivalry with Atletico’s supporters. At the start of the second half, Morata regained the lead for Atletico after a fumble by Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.
Real Madrid struck the woodwork again through Rodrygo before Joselu equalized with a clever header from Bellingham’s assist, sending the match into extra time.
The thrilling encounter ultimately favored Atletico, marking a significant victory and ending Real Madrid’s impressive unbeaten streak.
