A spectacular goal from Antoine Griezmann in the 61st minute allowed Atletico de Madrid to qualify for the Copa del Rey quarterfinals, after narrowly defeating a combative Deportivo which nearly forced extra time with a header from Italian Samuele Mulattieri in the 79th minute.

A sluggish Atletico away from the Metropolitano

Despite facing a lower-division opponent, Atletico de Madrid once again showed their difficulties as visitors. Diego Simeone's team struggled to control the game and lacked creativity in attack for large stretches of the match at Riazor.

The Rojiblancos' midfield didn't work. With Baena ineffective and the choice of Marcos Alonso and Johnny Cardoso, Atletico lost control and fluidity, confirming their shortcomings away from the Metropolitano.

Julian Alvarez still can't find the net

The Colchoneros also missed the best version of Julian Alvarez. Five months before the start of the World Cup, the Argentine striker is still searching for his first goal, a situation that is beginning to worry the coaching staff.

Alvarez barely featured in two notable plays: a header at the start of the match and an elegant chip just before halftime that forced Parreno into action.

A Deportivo without inhibitions and with ambition

Driven by their fans, Deportivo never felt inferior. Despite Antonio Hidalgo initially leaving their most dangerous player, Yeremay Hernandez, on the bench, the Coruna side showed personality and attacking ambition.

Depor knew how to withstand Atletico's pressure and grew stronger with the introduction of Mario Soriano, the true compass of the blue and white team and the engine of their attacking play.

A first half of end-to-end action

The match started at a high tempo. Italian full-back Matteo Ruggeri gave the first warning with a shot that hit the post. Deportivo responded with solid defensive work and a header straight at the Dutchman Zakaria Eddahchouri.

Before halftime, Atletico came close to scoring with two clear chances: a chip from Julian Alvarez and a powerful shot from Griezmann that were saved by Parreno and the crossbar.

Griezmann decides with a work of art

Deportivo came out with more intensity after the break and threatened again with another shot from Zakaria, deflected by Hancko, which forced Musso into a brilliant save. Simeone reacted with a triple substitution: Almada, Barrios, and Sorloth came on for Molina, Baena, and Julian Alvarez.

Hidalgo also made changes, bringing on Luismi Cruz and Mulattieri, and Riazor began to dream of a historic night. However, a foul by Belgian Noubi on Johnny Cardoso on the edge of the area changed the course of the match. Antoine Griezmann, as he did on his last visit to Riazor in 2017, displayed his quality with a subtle strike that nestled into the top corner, beyond Parreno's reach. A hard-fought finish and a ticket to the quarterfinals. The 0-1 scoreline forced Atletico to rely on their experience to avoid another setback, just days after falling to Real Madrid in the Super Cup semifinal. Deportivo didn't give up and had their best chance with a Mulattieri header in the 79th minute that nearly forced extra time. Finally, Simeone reinforced the defense with the introduction of Gimenez, and Atletico held on to secure their place in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals, thanks to the decisive talent of Griezmann, their most influential player.Simeone reinforced the defense with the introduction of Gimenez and Atletico held on to secure their place in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals, thanks to the decisive talent of Griezmann, their most influential player.Simeone reinforced the defense with the introduction of Gimenez and Atletico held on to secure their place in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals, thanks to the decisive talent of Griezmann, their most influential player.