Antoine Griezmann told his Atletico Madrid teammates to “keep dreaming” after his goal was enough to seal a 1-0 win in Marbella's third tier.
After Saturday's narrow victory, Atlético has advanced to the eighth finals of the Copa del Rey and has now won thirteen games in a row, equaling the club record set in 2012.
Griezmann scored after 16 minutes, tapping in a rebound after Marbella goalkeeper Daniel Martin had blocked Giuliano Simeone's close-range effort.
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 goal hit the post.
Marbella improved as the match progressed, albeit without posing too much of a threat, and were able to prevent Atletico from recording a more convincing win.
The visitors still had chances to close the match late, but Angel Correa and Alexander Sorloth both shot narrowly wide into the side netting.
Griezmann's 12th goal of the season in all competitions was ultimately enough to see Diego Simeone's men through and the forward will be hoping the wins keep coming for Atletico.
“We are doing well,” said the Frenchman. “The holidays did us good and it has been a tough training week since then.
“Now we have to improve things and keep dreaming.”
13 – Atlético de Madrid have won their last 13 matches in all competitions, equaling the best run of consecutive wins in their history, achieved between August and October 2012, also under Diego Pablo Simeone. Unstoppable. pic.twitter.com/kPXTyenq4y
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) January 4, 2025
Head coach Simeone was not in the dugout against Marbella following his red card for complaining during his team's 2-1 win over Cacereno in the previous round.
It was therefore Atletico assistant Nelson Vivas who took over media duties after the match.
“We experience this series of victories with calm and humility,” he said. “We are currently focusing more on the things we can do better in each match.
“But we are satisfied and happy, not only about the series of victories, but also about qualifying and the chance to continue in this competition.”
Atletico, second in LaLiga and two points behind Real Madrid with a game in hand, host Osasuna next Sunday in a bid to extend their impressive winning streak.
Comments