Emmanuel LANGELLIER, Media365, published on Thursday December 5, 2024 at 9:42 p.m.
Led for 83 minutes by Cacereno, a team from the 4th Spanish division, Atlético de Madrid finally escaped in the last minutes in the 2nd round of the Copa del Rey (3-1), Thursday evening.
After the qualifications of Valladolid, Celta Vigo, Barbastro and Las Palmas, Tuesday, then those of Betis Seville, Rayo Vallecano, Leganés, Valencia, Pontevedra and Logrones, Wednesday, the 2nd round of the Copa del Rey continued on Thursday . Faced with fans from Cacereno (4th division), Atlético de Madrid presented themselves without Antoine Griezmann (victim of toothache), Thomas Lemar and Nahuel Molina, but with Robin Le Normand. More than 2 months after his last appearance, the French central defender made his return since he was started by Diego Simeone in a team organized in 4-4-2: Musso – Azpilicueta, Witsel, Le Normand, Galan – Riquelme, From Paul, Koke, Lino – Sorloth, Correa.
The “little one” resisted until the 83rd minute
Warned in the 41st minute, Le Normand suffered in this match and witnessed the opening score of the “small” Spanish club on his lawn. Starting on the counter on the right flank, Cacereno opened the proceedings to everyone's surprise thanks to a victorious left-footed recovery from Alvaro Merencio in the 30th minute. Even though there was obviously a second half to go, the Colchoneros were not leading at the break, having been on a series of 7 consecutive victories in all competitions since October 31 (20 goals scored, only 2 conceded). ). However, they dominated the first act with 61% possession, 9 shots including 5 on target, but Sorloth, Lino and Riquelme notably came up against the opposing goalkeeper on clear chances.
Returning to the field with 3 changes (Llorente for Azpilicueta, Alvarez for Riquelme and Lenglet for Le Normand), Atlético dominated again but Cacereno resisted. Until the 83rd minute. Moment chosen by Lenglet to equalize with a header when receiving a brushed cross from De Paul at the entrance to the penalty area. Then the Extremadura team was reduced to ten following the expulsion of Jaime Sancho for two yellow cards in 3 minutes (85th). 7 minutes later, the players from the capital went in front thanks this time to De Paul (90th + 2), scorer on a crushed shot. The rough but precious Argentine midfielder once again transformed into a decisive passer a few moments later for his compatriot Alvarez, effective on an ideally crossed left-footed shot (90th +5). Atlético was hot but barely escaped by making the trade talk and will therefore compete in the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey.
