Copa del Rey: Atlético Madrid - License to thrill

Atlético Madrid are pure entertainment. The Jekyll and Hyde of Spanish football added another chapter to their colourful past as they achieved what no other team had ever achieved in Copa del Rey history; to come back from a first-leg 3 goal deficit. And in typical Atlético style, they did it hard way. It was looking like that run in the snow had worked wonders when they stormed into a four goal lead, through goals from Aguero (x2), Simao and Ujfalusi. But halfway through the second half, Recreativo pulled a goal back, after the obligatory defensive shocker from Atlético, to lead on away goals. Shortly after, Assuncao received a second yellow for a needless trip from behind and left his team staring at a farcical cup exit. But with a vociferous Vicente Calderon and an animated Quique urging them on, they took the lead in the tie once more as Simao stepped up with seven minutes remaining to curl a sumptuous free kick into the top-right corner to send the 'Mattressmen' flying into the quarters. The last two games have seen them score nine and concede two, and they're my bet to go on and win the cup looking at that draw: Quique deserves a nice manly pat on the back.

 

Copa del Rey Results 14.01.10

Atlético Madrid 5 - 1 Recreativo Huelva (Atlético through 5-4 on aggregate)
Mallorca 3 - 1 Rayo Vallecano (Mallorca through 4-3 on aggregate)

Copa del Rey Quarter-Final Draw:

Deportivo La Coruña v Sevilla

Mallorca v Getafe

Atlético Madrid v Celta

Racing Santander v Osasuna