Antoine Griezmann's first-half goal was enough to give Atletico Madrid a 1-0 victory over third-tier Marbella and send them to the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey.
The Frenchman scored after just 16 minutes, tapping in a rebound after Marbella goalkeeper Daniel Martin had blocked Giuliano Simeone's close-range attempt.
Rodrigo De Paul thought he had increased the lead early in the second half but saw his goal disallowed for a handball in the build-up, while Conor Gallagher's curling effort hit the post just after the hour mark.
Marbella improved in the second half, albeit without posing too much of a threat, but prevented Atletico from recording a more convincing victory.
The visitors did have chances to close out the match late, but Angel Correa and Alexander Sorloth both shot narrowly wide and into the side netting without testing Martin.
On to the next round! pic.twitter.com/RzPFYqocaQ
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) January 4, 2025
Data Debrief: Hot streak
This was only the second time the two sides had met in the Copa del Rey, with Atletico winning both matches in the fourth round of the 2010 edition by an aggregate score of 8–0.
Things were a little less straightforward on Saturday, but Griezmann's 12th goal of the season in all competitions was enough to see them through.
Atletico have now won each of their last thirteen matches in all competitions, equaling the best consecutive winning streak in their history (August-October 2012, also under Diego Simeone).
They dominated throughout, having 59.8% possession and registering 18 shots, although only five were on target, finishing with an expected goals (xG) of 1.29 compared to Marbella's 0.29 from five attempts.
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