Atlético Madrid’s Atlético Madrid Copa del Rey escape was far more dramatic than Diego Simeone would have wanted, as the holders scraped into the round of 16 with a tense 3–2 win over Atlético Baleares in Palma de Mallorca.
Two goals from Antoine Griezmann, another from Giacomo Raspadori, and an outstanding goalkeeping display by Juan Musso ensured progression, but serious defensive flaws were laid bare on a night when the underdogs pushed Atlético to the limit.
For long spells, this Atlético Madrid Copa del Rey escape felt like a warning rather than a celebration.
Atlético advanced, but only because their attacking quality and goalkeeper rescued them from their own defensive carelessness.
Strong Start Reflects Simeone’s Warning
Before kick-off, Diego Simeone had cautioned his players about the dangers of complacency in the cup. His words seemed to resonate early on.
Atlético began with authority, controlling possession, pressing with intensity, and showing respect to their lower-league opponents.
Raspadori tested Juli Rivas with a sharp early effort, while the visitors moved the ball patiently, looking to stretch Baleares.
However, the match took a worrying turn when Clément Lenglet limped off with a knee injury, replaced by Dávid Hancko.
It was an early disruption that foreshadowed the defensive instability to come.
Almost immediately, Nahuel Molina gifted Baleares a clear chance, losing possession as the last man and sending Juanmi Durán clean through on goal.
Musso reacted superbly, winning the first of several decisive one-on-one duels that would define this Atlético Madrid Copa del Rey escape.
Griezmann Leads, Raspadori Follows
Atlético’s quality finally told midway through the half. Thiago Almada found space and fed Conor Gallagher, whose precise cross was calmly converted by Griezmann.
The Frenchman’s movement and composure were a reminder of his enduring importance to this side.
Moments later, Molina atoned for his earlier error with a fine cross that Raspadori met with a brilliant header to make it 2–0. Atlético had scored twice without a recognised centre-forward on the pitch, a testament to their fluid attacking play.
At that point, the Atlético Madrid Copa del Rey escape looked unlikely. But Atlético, true to recent habit, invited trouble.
Set-Piece Sloppiness Gives Baleares Hope
Atlético Baleares struck back through a well-worked corner. A flick at the near post caused panic, and Bonet finished at the far post after a scramble on the line. The Estadio Balear erupted, sensing vulnerability.
From then on, Atlético lost control. Their defensive structure unravelled, and Baleares grew in belief.
Despite dominating possession, Simeone’s side created little before half-time, while the hosts pressed with growing confidence.
The scoreline at the break, 2–1, felt ominous for a team meant to be cruising.
Musso Stands Tall as Defense Crumbles
The second half turned into a showcase of why this Atlético Madrid Copa del Rey escape owed so much to Musso.
Within minutes, Juanmi Durán again found himself clean through, and again Musso emerged victorious. Two minutes later, he denied Jofre in another one-on-one.
Mistakes continued to flow. Galán lost concentration, forcing Musso into yet another save before Robin Le Normand cleared the rebound off the line.
Atlético’s high press only made matters worse, allowing Baleares to play out from the back with surprising ease.
Simeone responded with changes, introducing Koke, Pablo Barrios and Giuliano Simeone in an attempt to restore control. But even then, Atlético remained fragile.
Late Drama and a Nervy Finish
Griezmann struck again to extend Atlético’s lead, seemingly calming nerves. Yet even that was not enough to bring comfort.
Musso conceded a penalty after misjudging a challenge, only to redeem himself by saving the spot-kick he had given away.
When Keita converted a second penalty deep into stoppage time, the tension returned instantly.
The final minutes were chaotic, with Baleares throwing everything forward and Atlético desperately clinging on.
In the end, the whistle confirmed progression, but it felt more like survival than success. The Atlético Madrid Copa del Rey escape was complete, though the lessons were clear.
Analysis: Progress, but Problems Persist
Statistically, Atlético’s superiority was obvious: more possession, more chances, and superior finishing.
Yet numbers alone cannot hide the defensive errors that nearly proved costly. Against stronger opposition, such generosity will be punished.
Griezmann’s brace underlined his leadership and clinical edge, while Raspadori’s movement added sharpness. Above all, Musso was the decisive figure, producing multiple match-saving moments that kept Atlético alive.
