Eliminate Sevilla, Atletico Madrid Becomes The Last Team To The Copa Del Rey Semifinals

JAKARTA - Atletico Madrid became the last team to qualify for the Copa de Rey semifinals. In the quarter-final match which was held at home at the Civitas Metropolitano Stadium, Friday, January 26, 2024 in the morning WIB, Atletico narrowly won 1-0 over Sevilla.

Atletico positioned themselves as favorites to win after stepping into the top four. Because the Copa del Rey only leaves Atletico as the only top team that still lasts until the semifinals.

Girona and Barcelona have died in the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, Real Madrid have been eliminated early. And Atletico, who succeeded in stopping the one-city rivals in the Madrid Derby.

In that match, Atletico faced resistance from veterans. Yes, Sevilla is fighting to get away from the threat of relegation zone teams strengthened by players who are almost retired. Among them are former Madrid captain and Spanish national team, Sergio Ramos.

In addition, there is Ivan Rakitic who was once a pillar of the strength of Barca and Erik Lamela who played in AS Roma for a long time and became Tottenham Hotspur's mainstay.

Rojiblancos veterans made it difficult for Atletico. Even Atletico's possession is only 60%. This shows they don't completely dominate the game.

However, Atletico had the opportunity to take the lead after receiving a penalty in the middle of the first half.

The referee awarded a penalty after defender Marcao brought down Nahuel Molina in the forbidden box. Unfortunately striker Antoine Griezmann failed to complete the execution. The French national team's kick went wide so the score remained 0-0.

In the second half, Atletico played more aggressively. However, their attack still failed to penetrate Sevilla's goal.

At least Griezmann before being pulled out had two chances that couldn't be converted into goals.

In the 66th minute, coach Diego Simeone then pulled Griezmann to be replaced by Angel Correa. Meanwhile, the Memphis Depay striker who had been sitting on the bench to replace Alvaro Morata. The change made Colchoneros' game more lively. As a result, the two players brought the lead team. Depay successfully broke the deadlock by scoring a goal in the 79th minute.

The former Manchestr United striker finished Correa's pass to break into the opponent's goal. This is the only goal created.

Atletico maintained their 1-0 lead until the end of the match. They also qualified for the Copa del Rey semifinals.