Atletico Madrid were made to work hard for their place in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey, scraping a narrow 1–0 away victory over Deportivo La Coruna in a tie that carried echoes of Spanish football’s past.

Despite currently competing in Spain’s second tier, Deportivo reminded everyone of their rich history - a club that once conquered La Liga and regularly challenged Europe’s elite. Backed by a passionate home crowd, the hosts delivered a disciplined and fearless performance against one of the tournament favourites.

The contest was intense and finely balanced, with Atletico struggling to break down a well-organised opponent. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 61st minute, when Antoine Griezmann produced a moment of quality to decide the tie, scoring the only goal of the match.

2025-26, Spain - Copa del Rey

Deportivo - Atletico Madrid 0:1 (0:0)
Goals: Griezmann, 61 (0:1)

Atletico Madrid: Musso; Ruggeri; Molina N. (Almada, 58); Hancko; Pubill; Cardoso Joao; Álex Baena (Barrios P., 58); Llorente M.; Griezmann; Álvarez Jul. (Sørloth, 58); Simeone G-o (Gimenez Jose, 84)
Substitution: Barrios P. (from 58); Almada (from 58); Sørloth (from 58); Gimenez Jose (from 84)
Bench: Oblak; Le Normand; Serrano J.; Belaid