Striker Alexander Sørloth scored a brace in Atlético Madrid’s easy 4-0 win over second division Elche on Wednesday to book Diego Simeone’s side a place in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals .
This is Atlético’s 15th consecutive victory in all competitions, extending the longest winning streak in the club’s history.
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Atlético did not miss a beat despite their Argentine coach’s decision to rest several key starters in an in-form Elche, undefeated since the beginning of November, winning six of their last seven matches.
With Antoine Griezmann, Julián Álvarez, Rodrigo de Paul and Jan Oblak on the bench, Atletico dominated the proceedings and was never in danger, demonstrating the same defensive solidity and the same offensive efficiency that propelled to the top of La Liga. ranking, ahead of Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Sørloth opened the scoring in the eighth minute, hitting a loose ball from close range. He increased Atlético’s lead from the penalty spot after winger Samuel Lino was fouled in the box in the 29th minute.
Elche were reduced to ten men when Nico Mercau received a second booking in the 50th minute. Atleti substitute Rodrigo Riquelme scored the third with a long-range strike in the 61st, with Julian Alvarez also coming off the bench to wrap up the victory 14 minutes later.
“I pay attention to saving the players’ energy. We had to win to qualify and I put my faith in players who I thought could give us the chance to continue in the same vein as the team,” Simeone told TVE.
“I told them before the match that they were working very well and that’s why we understood that the team that started gave us the opportunity to qualify. We played with humility against a team that plays well in the second division.
“I felt good energy within the team. Fortunately, these players were able to show work, effort, humility, perseverance, by accepting the place they have within the team. This will allow us to be more competitive and will make it difficult for me to choose moving forward.
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