Atletico Madrid advanced to the Copa del Rey round of 16 with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over third-tier Marbella on Saturday. Antoine Griezmann’s early goal proved decisive as Diego Simeone’s men extended their winning streak to 13 matches across all competitions, equaling a club record set in 2012.
While the scoreline may suggest a narrow escape, Atletico dominated much of the game but struggled to convert their superiority into a more convincing margin of victory. Marbella, to their credit, showed resilience and kept the visitors on their toes throughout the contest.
First Half: Griezmann Strikes Early
Atletico Madrid wasted no time asserting their dominance, controlling possession and pressing Marbella high up the pitch. The breakthrough came in the 16th minute when Antoine Griezmann pounced on a rebound after Marbella goalkeeper Daniel Martin parried Giuliano Simeone’s close-range effort. Griezmann’s finish marked his 12th goal of the season in all competitions, underlining his importance to Atletico’s attack.
Key Statistics from the First Half
- Possession: Atletico Madrid controlled 62% of the ball.
- Shots: Atletico registered 10 attempts, with three on target.
- Pass Accuracy: The visitors achieved an impressive 88% pass accuracy.
Despite their dominance, Atletico failed to capitalize on several promising opportunities, allowing Marbella to remain in the game.
Second Half: Missed Opportunities and Resilient Marbella
The second half began with Atletico pushing for a second goal to put the game beyond doubt. Rodrigo De Paul thought he had doubled the lead early in the half, only for his effort to be disallowed due to a handball in the build-up. Moments later, Conor Gallagher came agonizingly close to scoring, but his curling shot struck the post.
Marbella’s Improvement
Marbella grew into the game as the second half progressed. While they lacked the cutting edge to trouble Jan Oblak in Atletico’s goal, their defensive organization frustrated the visitors and kept the scoreline tight.
Late Drama
Atletico had chances to seal the victory late on. Angel Correa and Alexander Sorloth both came close, with Correa firing narrowly wide and Sorloth hitting the side netting. Despite these misses, Atletico’s defense remained solid, ensuring Marbella could not find an equalizer.
Data Debrief: Atletico’s Dominance
Match Statistics
- Possession: Atletico Madrid (59.8%), Marbella (40.2%).
- Shots: Atletico Madrid (18), Marbella (5).
- Shots on Target: Atletico Madrid (5), Marbella (1).
- Expected Goals (xG): Atletico Madrid (1.29), Marbella (0.29).
Atletico’s control of the game was evident in the numbers, but their inability to convert chances into goals highlighted an area for improvement as they progress in the tournament.
Player Performances
Atletico Madrid
- Antoine Griezmann (8/10): The match-winner once again, Griezmann’s early goal was the difference. His movement and work rate were crucial throughout the game.
- Rodrigo De Paul (7/10): Controlled the midfield and was unlucky to see his goal disallowed.
- Conor Gallagher (7/10): Came close to scoring with a brilliant effort that hit the post.
Marbella
- Daniel Martin (8/10): The Marbella goalkeeper made several crucial saves to keep his side in the game.
- Antonio Cortes (6.5/10): Worked tirelessly in midfield to disrupt Atletico’s rhythm.
- Manuel Moreno (6/10): Led Marbella’s defense with composure and resilience.
Griezmann’s Hot Streak
Antoine Griezmann’s goal against Marbella marked his 12th of the season, continuing a prolific run of form. The Frenchman has been instrumental in Atletico’s current 13-game winning streak, which equals the club’s longest run under Diego Simeone from 2012.
Griezmann’s Season Stats (All Competitions):
- Goals: 12.
- Assists: 6.
- Key Passes per Game: 2.1.
His leadership and ability to deliver in crucial moments make him one of the most reliable players in Atletico’s squad.
Historical Context
This was only the second time Atletico Madrid and Marbella have faced each other in the Copa del Rey. Their previous encounter in 2010 saw Atletico win comfortably with an aggregate score of 8-0. While Saturday’s match was far less straightforward, it highlighted Atletico’s ability to grind out results even when not at their best.
What’s Next for Atletico Madrid?
Atletico Madrid’s victory secures their place in the Copa del Rey round of 16, where tougher challenges await. With their focus also on La Liga, where they are vying for the title, Simeone will need to manage his squad carefully to maintain their momentum.
Upcoming Fixtures:
- La Liga: Atletico faces a challenging match against Real Sociedad next weekend.
- Copa del Rey: The round of 16 draw will determine their next opponent.
Conclusion: A Professional Job by Atletico
Atletico Madrid’s 1-0 victory over Marbella may not have been their most dazzling performance, but it was enough to get the job done. Griezmann’s early goal and a solid defensive display ensured their passage to the next round, extending their impressive winning streak to 13 games.
While there is room for improvement, particularly in finishing chances, Atletico’s ability to control games and secure results bodes well for their ambitions in both domestic and European competitions. For Marbella, the match was a testament to their resilience and determination, as they made life difficult for one of Spain’s top teams.
