Atlético de Madrid suffered more than expected in their visit to Cacereño in the Copa del Rey. The team from Extremadura came close to the surprise in a duel full of emotion, where the team coached by Julio Cobos was close to repeating the feat that had already complicated Real Madrid in the same field last season. However, two late goals saved Diego Simeone's team, which advanced to the next round with a 3-1 score that does not reflect the tightness of the match. match.
A Difficult Start For Los Colchoneros
Atlético arrived at the Príncipe Felipe Stadium with the intention of avoiding surprises in a tournament that usually punishes big teams that get overconfident. From the start, the red and white dominated possession, seeking to overcome Cacereño's organized defense, which opted to wait and counterattack.
During the first half hour, the colchonero team created several clear chances, with Sorloth, De Paul and Correa as protagonists. However, home goalkeeper Diego Nieves was unbeatable, thwarting Atlético's attempts with crucial saves.
The home team, although limited in resources, was able to take advantage of the opponent's mistakes. A quick move down the right flank in which Christian Martínez gained space ended with a cross that Merencio, in an action of pure effort, turned into a goal.
The stadium erupted with excitement as Cacereño took the lead, leaving Atlético in an uncomfortable situation with no margin for error.
Slow Reaction And Growing Nerves
With the score against them, Atlético began to show signs of frustration. The conditions of the pitch made it difficult to play fast, and nerves got the better of the players, who began to make mistakes in their passes and decisions. Simeone tried to calm his men from the bench, but the minutes passed without the equalizer arriving.
In the second half, the Argentine coach made significant changes to change the dynamic of the match. The entry of Julián Álvarez, Lenglet and Llorente sought greater freshness and aggressiveness in attack.
Despite the adjustments, Cacereño maintained their defensive firmness and continued to be dangerous in their quick starts. They even came close to a second goal with a shot by Christian that went close to the top corner, increasing the tension on the red and white side.
When the match seemed to be getting complicated, Atlético's insistence finally paid off. In the 82nd minute, a lateral free kick taken by De Paul ended in a loose ball that Lenglet headed into the back of the net, tying the score.
This goal reinvigorated the Madrid team and crumbled Cacereño, who a minute later had Sancho sent off for a double yellow card, further complicating their resistance.
In the final minutes, Atlético capitalized on their numerical superiority. A shot from outside the area by De Paul deflected by a defender ended in a goal, sealing the comeback. With Cacereño already beaten, Julián Álvarez scored the third goal on a counterattack, closing the scoreboard and securing the pass to the next phase.
Congrats also to Cacereño. Played a great game and were a very good opponent. Good luck for the rest of the season 🫶 pic.twitter.com/8RmDqUrRoN
- Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) December 6, 2024
A Hard-fought Victory And A Worthy Rival
Atlético de Madrid left Príncipe Felipe with a victory that left more doubts than certainties. Despite the victory, the team showed difficulties to impose its superiority, highlighting the delivery of a Cacereño that was about to give one of the great surprises of the season.
This match was a reminder of the complexities of the Copa del Rey, a tournament that does not forgive relaxation and in which modest teams find an opportunity to shine. Atletico continues to advance, but will have to improve its performance if it wants to aspire to the title.
For their part, Cacereño leave with their heads held high, having shown that heart and discipline can compete against any opponent.
