Atletico Madrid 4-2 Real Madrid (aet): Player ratings as Griezmann stunner decides epic cup derby
Real Madrid’s 21-game unbeaten streak came to an abrupt end on Thursday as the Copa del Rey holders crashed out of the competition in the round of 16 at the hands of city rivals Atletico.
Antoine Griezmann’s superb extra-time goal proved to be the difference between the sides, with substitute Rodrigo Riquelme also on the score-sheet at the death in the 4-2 Atleti win.
The two sides had traded four goals over the course of the original 90 minutes, with Samuel Lino putting the hosts ahead in a chaotic derby clash that ultimately delivered 13 yellow cards – including one for Diego Simeone on the sideline. A Jan Oblak own goal cancelled that out, with Alvaro Morata then scoring against his old club and Joselu later forcing the extra-time.
Nervy early moments from both sides were complemented by a good tempo in the opening stages, with Atletico in particular looking to stamp a physical authority on the game. But it would be unfair to say that those dressed in all-white weren’t willing to give back as good as they got.
Jude Bellingham’s individual brilliance very nearly handed Madrid an 11th minute lead. The Englishman dribbled his way into a dangerous position, including a cheeky nutmeg on Axel Witsel, before cracking an effort off the crossbar – replays showed the vital deflection from Jose Gimenez’s lunging block that prevented what would have been a certain goal.
More heroics at the back were needed midway through the first half when Rodrygo beat Atletico’s offside trap. Gimenez got back at the Brazilian to poke the ball away, but it would have been a comedic own goal but for the reactions of Oblak to parry. The giant Slovenian was then immediately on his feet to block Vinicius Junior’s attempt to convert the rebound.
Lino’s
Read on 90min.com
