After a tense battle at the Metropolitano Stadium, Atletico Madrid clinched a coveted spot in the Copa del Rey semifinals, marking their first appearance since 2017. A second-half goal from substitute Memphis Depay and a late-game video review that nullified a penalty for Sevilla ensured Atletico’s slim 1-0 victory.
The high-stakes match saw Atletico Madrid join Athletic Bilbao, Mallorca, and Real Sociedad in the semifinals, setting the stage for an intense round of home-and-away series. Follow your favourite La Liga team with attractive La Liga odds from Nextbet.
Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak expressed the team’s determination, stating, “We expected a tight match like this, with few scoring chances, but in the end, we found a way to break through and get the victory, which is the only thing that matters. Hopefully, we can win this Copa title again after so many years.”
The game’s crucial moment came during stoppage time when Sevilla’s Érik Lamela seemed to have earned a penalty after a clash with Pablo Barrios. However, the decision was overturned following a video review, leading to frustration within the Sevilla camp. Defender Marcao conveyed his disappointment, hinting at the controversial nature of the call without delving into specifics.
Adding to Sevilla’s woes, the team is grappling with a challenging period, coming off a significant 5-1 defeat against Girona in the Spanish league and sitting precariously close to the relegation zone. The match against Atletico Madrid followed a tragic incident where three Sevilla fans lost their lives in a car accident en route to the stadium. Sevilla’s coach Quique Sánchez Flores, deeply affected by the loss, chose to focus on extending condolences rather than discussing the match.
Atletico Madrid’s journey to the semifinals was marked by significant achievements, including eliminating defending champion Real Madrid and extending their unbeaten home run to 26 matches. Key moments in the game included Griezmann’s missed penalty and a goal disallowed for offside, followed by Depay’s decisive goal after a strategic move by Ángel Correa.
Sevilla’s struggle was evident, with the team having only secured one victory in its last 15 Spanish league matches and facing elimination in the Copa quarterfinals last season. Veteran defender Sergio Ramos had a golden opportunity to level the score but missed, adding to the team’s string of misfortunes.
As Atletico Madrid looks forward to the semifinals, the anticipation for the upcoming fixtures is palpable, with the two-legged matches offering a chance for redemption and glory. The road to the Copa del Rey title is fraught with challenges, but Atletico Madrid’s recent triumph adds a promising chapter to their storied journey in the competition. Get the latest updates from the La Liga only on Nextbet Sports.
