Atlético de Madrid He didn’t shine, but he did enough to narrowly beat Marbellaof the third division, and reach the round of 16 of the King’s Cupsecuring their thirteenth consecutive victory on the thirteenth anniversary of Diego Simeone’s first match as manager of the club.
The Cholo team, replaced by Nelson Vivas after being suspended, had just eliminated the modest Vic and Cacereño at the last minute, in parallel with its great campaign in La Liga, a competition in which it is virtually leader.
And this Saturday, the story was not much different. Atleti, with a gala team and five Argentines as starters (Julián Álvarez, Rodrigo De Paul, Giuliano Simeone, Nahuel Molina and Juan Musso), took control of the match from the start, but was barely able to make the break for the match. Antoine Griezmann’s goal in the 16th minute.
A wonderful long pass from De Paul sent Cholito running, who, after a great wall with the French striker, forced a good save from goalkeeper Dani Martín, who could do nothing against Griezmann’s definition under the goal.
The red and white team pressed and, during the first half, had chances at the feet of Álvarez and De Paul, but they could not achieve it and Marbella, encouraged by their audience that filled the stadium , began to push, alarming Musso.
However, what kept the host in the match was the visit’s poor goal and, ultimately, the result. Because Atlético Madrid created numerous chances in the second half but could not finish the match, which gave it a certain suspense. De Paul made it 2-0, but his victory was overturned for carrying the ball with his hand.
And in the final minutes, with Marbella desperate for a tie, incoming Ángel Correa and Alexander Sorloth had very clear scoring chances, but even though they could have been beaten, the score didn’t budge: 1 to 0 for Atlético de Madrid, who He sweeps all tournaments and adds his 13th consecutive victory, just 13 years after the arrival of Cholo Simeone.
Next Sunday, Atleti will host Osasuna at the Metropolitano with the aim of breaking the club’s historic record, achieved in the 2012/13 season, also with the Argentine coach on the bench, and, in doing so, being crowned “ winter champion”.
