MADRID – Atletico Madrid faced a setback in the Copa del Rey as they were held to a draw by Mallorca in a thrilling encounter. The match, played at a high tempo, saw both teams showcasing their attacking prowess.
Atletico took an early lead in the second minute when Angel Correa capitalized on Javi Galan’s precise cross, tapping the ball into the net at the back post. However, the visitors’ advantage was short-lived as Puerto Rican striker Leandro Antonetti equalized before the halftime whistle, displaying determination as he navigated his way into the area to finish with finesse.
In a bid to avoid an upset, Atletico’s manager, Diego Simeone, introduced Antoine Griezmann at halftime. The tactical move paid off as Atletico regained the lead in the second half through Depay. The striker capitalized on the space in the box, delivering a powerful shot to put his team in front. Depay continued his stellar performance, securing a brace with a superbly executed clipped finish from Marcos Llorente’s cross.
As the Copa del Rey action unfolds, attention now turns to other fixtures, with last year’s champions Real Madrid set to face fourth-tier Arandina. On Sunday, record 31-time winners Barcelona are scheduled to visit Barbastro, promising more intense clashes in the prestigious tournament.
