Antoine Griezmann and Rodrigo Riquelme scored in extra time to give Atletico Madrid a 4-2 derby victory over Real Madrid that earned Diego Simeone's side a Copa del Rey quarterfinal place on Thursday.
A week after the rivals clashed in a 5-3 Real win in the Spanish Super Cup semifinals in Saudi Arabia, they met again in a peppery affair at a packed Metropolitano that was also decided with two extra-time goals, but now in Atletico's favour.
In a thrilling showdown at a packed Metropolitano, Atletico Madrid emerged victorious in a 4-2 derby win over Real Madrid, securing a place in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals. Antoine Griezmann and Rodrigo Riquelme played pivotal roles with extra-time goals, turning the tide in favor of Diego Simeone's side.
The opening goal came from Atletico winger Samuel Lino, capitalizing on a counter-attack in the 39th minute. However, Real Madrid responded just before halftime when goalkeeper Jan Oblak's error led to an own goal from a Luka Modric free kick.
A 57th-minute blunder by midfielder Eduardo Camavinga gifted Álvaro Morata a goal, giving Atletico the lead. In the 82nd minute, Morata missed a crucial opportunity, leading to a Real counter-attack and a headed equalizer from Joselu, sending the match into extra time.
Griezmann showcased his brilliance in the 100th minute, stealing the ball from Vinicius Junior, embarking on a run from the halfway line, and scoring a sensational goal. Riquelme sealed the win in the 119th minute with a precise finish.
Diego Simeone praised the team's performance, hailing Griezmann's goal as "amazing." Tensions flared as Simeone exchanged words with Vinícius at the end of regulation, apparently stemming from Vinícius' celebration after Joselu's goal. Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged the competitiveness of the match and Vinícius' emotional reactions.
Ancelotti's unbeaten Real Madrid, with a streak of 21 matches in all competitions, succumbed to Atletico in a memorable encounter. Captain Koke expressed satisfaction with the victory and highlighted the high-tempo nature of their recent clashes with Real.
Atletico Madrid now joins Barcelona, Girona, Real Sociedad, Celta Vigo, Mallorca, Athletic Bilbao, and Sevilla in the upcoming Copa del Rey quarterfinal draw.
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