Deportivo vs Atlético Madrid – Match Summary
Atlético Madrid survived a stern test at the Riazor to book their place in the Copa del Rey Quarter-Finals, defeating a resilient Deportivo La Coruña 1–0. Diego Simeone’s side was frustrated by the woodwork twice in the first half before Antoine Griezmann produced a moment of individual brilliance, curling in a free-kick just after the hour mark. Deportivo fought bravely, with goalkeeper Juan Musso forced into a stunning first-half save to keep the scores level, but the hosts ultimately lacked the cutting edge to force extra time.
Deportivo vs Atlético Madrid – Final Score
Deportivo La Coruña 0–1 Atlético Madrid
(HT: 0–0)
Goals:
- 61’ — Antoine Griezmann (ATM)
Deportivo vs Atlético Madrid – Timeline & Events
- 15’ — 🪵 WOODWORK: Atlético hit the post! Matteo Ruggeri latches onto a pass inside the box and beats the keeper, but his shot deflects off the upright.
- 32’ — 🧤 SAVE: Huge chance for Deportivo! Zakaria Eddahchouri powers a header towards goal from close range, but Juan Musso pulls off a brilliant reflex save.
- 41’ — 🪵 WOODWORK: The post denies Atleti again! Antoine Griezmann unleashes a splendid volley from outside the box that brushes the left post.
- 61’ — ⚽ GOAL! The breakthrough! Antoine Griezmann steps up to a free-kick on the edge of the box and curls a beautiful finish inside the right post. (0–1)
- 63’ — 🧤 SAVE: Deportivo respond immediately. Lucas Noubi fires a decent effort from distance, but Musso is equal to it.
- 69’ — 🚑 Injury Scare: Deportivo keeper Germán Parreño picks up an injury but bravely soldiers on for the remainder of the match.
- 88’ — ❌ MISS: A late chance for the equalizer goes begging as Adrià Altimira volleys high over the bar from the edge of the box.
First Half Analysis
The first half was a tale of frustration for Atlético Madrid and heroic defending from Deportivo. The visitors controlled the tempo and created the better openings, but luck was not on their side as they hit the woodwork twice through Ruggeri and Griezmann. However, Deportivo carried a genuine threat on the counter, and only a world-class save from Juan Musso denied Eddahchouri the opener. The teams went into the break level, with Deportivo growing in confidence.
Second Half Analysis
Diego Simeone made a triple substitution in the 58th minute to inject energy, bringing on Alexander Sørloth, Thiago Almada, and Pablo Barrios. The impact was almost immediate, as Griezmann broke the deadlock moments later with a set-piece masterclass. Deportivo tried to rally, throwing men forward and utilizing the pace of substitutes Luismi Cruz and Yeremay Hernández, but Atlético’s experienced backline, marshaled by Axel Witsel and later José María Giménez, managed the game professionally to see out the win.
xG Reality Check: Deportivo 0.70 | Atl. Madrid 1.24
- Analysis: A tight affair where quality made the difference. Atlético generated 1.24 xG and hit the woodwork twice, suggesting they deserved the win. Deportivo’s 0.70 xG came largely from that one big header in the first half.
Key Match Factors
- Griezmann’s Magic: In a game of few clear-cut chances, Griezmann’s ability to score from a dead-ball situation was the decisive factor.
- Musso’s Save: Juan Musso’s stop in the 32nd minute kept Atleti in the game when they were under pressure.
- Woodwork: Hitting the post twice (15′, 41′) could have demoralized Atleti, but they kept pushing.
- Simeone’s Subs: The triple change in the 58th minute changed the dynamic, leading to the free-kick that won the game.
Player of the Match
🏆 Antoine Griezmann (Atlético Madrid)
The difference-maker. He was the most creative player on the pitch, hit the post with a volley, and scored the winning goal with a sublime free-kick.
Deportivo vs Atlético Madrid – Player Ratings
| Deportivo | Rating | Atl. Madrid | Rating |
| Parreño | 7.0 | Musso | 7.5 |
| Altimira | 6.5 | Molina | 6.5 |
| Noubi | 7.0 | Pubill | 7.0 |
| Barcia | 6.5 | Hancko | 7.0 |
| Quagliata | 6.5 | Ruggeri | 7.0 |
| Jurado | 6.5 | Simeone | 6.5 |
| Patino | 6.5 | Llorente | 6.5 |
| Herrera | 6.0 | Cardoso | 7.0 |
| Soriano | 6.5 | Baena | 7.0 |
| Mella | 6.0 | Álvarez | 6.5 |
| Eddahchouri | 6.5 | Griezmann (MOTM) | 8.5 |
| Cruz (Sub) | 7.1 | Almada (Sub) | 7.1 |
| Carillo (Sub) | 6.7 | Sørloth (Sub) | 6.8 |
Deportivo vs Atlético Madrid – Match Stats
| Stat | Deportivo | Atl. Madrid |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 0.70 | 1.24 |
| Possession | 48% | 52% |
| Total Shots | 10 | 15 |
| Shots on Target | 3 | 6 |
| Big Chances | 2 | 2 |
| Corners | 4 | 6 |
| Passes (Accuracy) | 442 (90%) | 466 (86%) |
| Fouls | 7 | 11 |
| Yellow Cards | 0 | 0 |
| Goalkeeper Saves | 5 | 3 |
Top 5 Performers
- Antoine Griezmann (ATM): Scored the winner and was the creative hub.
- Juan Musso (ATM): Made a crucial “Big Chance” save to keep a clean sheet.
- Luismi Cruz (DEP): Excellent cameo off the bench (7.1 rating), creating danger on the wing.
- Thiago Almada (ATM): Lively after coming on (7.1 rating), testing the keeper late on.
- Lucas Noubi (DEP): Solid in defense and threatened with a long-range shot.
Underperformers / Weak Links
- David Mella (DEP): Struggled to make an impact on the game before being subbed.
- Pablo Barrios (ATM): Came on as a sub but had a relatively quiet impact (6.0 rating).
Substitutions Impact
- Thiago Almada (ATM): Replaced Molina (58′) – Rating: 7.1. Added attacking flair.
- Luismi Cruz (DEP): Replaced Mella (58′) – Rating: 7.1. Deportivo’s best player in the second half.
- Alexander Sørloth (ATM): Replaced Álvarez (58′) – Rating: 6.8. offered a physical presence upfront.
Tactical Breakdown
- Deportivo La Coruña:
- Resilient Shape: Defended deep and compact, forcing Atleti to shoot from distance (8 shots outside the box).
- Counter-Attacks: Relied on Eddahchouri’s pace, which nearly worked in the first half.
- Atlético Madrid:
- Patience: Dominated the ball (52%) and kept probing until the set-piece opportunity arrived.
- Set-Piece Threat: Always looked dangerous from dead balls, which ultimately decided the match.
What This Result Means
- Deportivo La Coruña: Exit the Copa del Rey with their heads held high after pushing a Champions League side all the way.
- Atlético Madrid: Advance to the Quarter-Finals. It wasn’t pretty, but Simeone’s men got the job done in a tricky away tie.
Deportivo vs Atlético Madrid – FAQs
Q: Who won the match?
A: Atlético Madrid won 1–0.
Q: Who scored the goal?
A: Antoine Griezmann scored a free-kick in the 61st minute.
Q: Did Deportivo play well?
A: Yes, they were very competitive and forced a big save from Musso, but lacked the final finish.
Q: Is there a second leg?
A: No, the Copa del Rey Round of 16 is a single-leg knockout tie.
Call to Action — SportsphereArena Community
Was Griezmann’s free-kick the best goal of the round? And can Atleti go all the way to win the Copa?
Let us know in the comments below!
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