Atletico Madrid faced an unexpected challenge in their Copa del Rey first-round match against sixth-division side Unio Esportiva Vic, ultimately securing a hard-fought 2-0 victory thanks to two late goals from Julian Alvarez.
With major stars like Conor Gallagher, Alexander Sorloth, and Rodrigo Riquelme starting, Atletico Madrid was expected to dominate the match easily.
However, it took Atletico nearly the full 90 minutes, including some last-minute heroics, to break through on a drenched artificial pitch just outside Barcelona.
Atletico Madrid’s Challenge Against a Determined Vic Side
Diego Simeone, the Atletico Madrid coach, approached the game with caution. Although other La Liga teams fielded mostly reserve squads against their lower-league opponents, Simeone took a more serious approach.
He included multiple regulars in the lineup, indicating a determination to avoid any slip-ups early in the tournament.
The soaked artificial turf, coupled with Vic’s resilient defense, made it difficult for Atletico to build momentum.
The hosts even had several golden chances to take the lead themselves, with Vic’s Marti Riera causing Atletico’s defense trouble on multiple counterattacks. For Atletico fans and players alike, this first round was proving to be more nerve-racking than expected.
Atletico Madrid’s Struggle on a Soaked Pitch
The artificial pitch, drenched from recent rain, added a surprising level of difficulty. Atletico, accustomed to top-tier stadiums, struggled to adapt to the unfamiliar surface, which slowed down ball movement and affected their usual passing rhythm.
Despite the challenges, Atletico maintained control of possession, but breaking through Vic’s well-organized defense was proving tougher than anticipated.
At halftime, the score remained 0-0. Frustration began to mount among Atletico’s players, as they searched for the breakthrough that would put them in control of the game. Simeone, sensing the urgency, made some bold substitutions in the second half, bringing on star players like Antoine Griezmann, team captain Koke, and Julian Alvarez.
Julian Alvarez’s Heroics Break the Deadlock
Atletico’s patient strategy finally paid off in the 81st minute when Giuliano Simeone, the coach’s son, was fouled inside the box, resulting in a crucial penalty.
Julian Alvarez confidently stepped up and converted the spot-kick, giving Atletico the lead they had desperately sought.
Juliezmann ️ pic.twitter.com/FGvwTm8DqP
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) October 31, 2024
This goal proved to be the game-changer, as Vic’s Alfons Senye was subsequently sent off for arguing with the referee over the penalty decision.
With Vic down to ten men, Atletico took advantage of the numerical superiority and Alvarez found the net again in the 89th minute after a quick counterattack, sealing the win at 2-0 and ensuring Atletico’s place in the second round of the Copa del Rey.
Atletico Madrid Joins La Liga Rivals in Copa del Rey Second Round
Atletico Madrid’s victory means they advance to the Copa del Rey second round, joining several other La Liga teams, including Girona, Villarreal, Rayo Vallecano, Espanyol, Sevilla, Celta Vigo, and Getafe, all of whom successfully overcame their own first-round challenges. The match highlighted the unpredictability of Copa del Rey games, where lower-division teams often give their all against top-flight opponents.
While Atletico managed to avoid an upset, the intense encounter served as a reminder of the competitive spirit of Spain’s lower-division clubs. In the Copa del Rey, the divide between La Liga teams and smaller clubs can quickly become less pronounced, especially in single-elimination matches where anything is possible.
Postponed Copa del Rey Matches Due to Severe Flooding in Spain
In addition to Atletico’s tense victory, the tournament saw disruptions due to devastating flash floods that struck Valencia and parts of Andalucia. The floods claimed the lives of over 150 people and caused widespread damage, prompting the Spanish Football Federation to postpone several Copa del Rey matches scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday.
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Among the affected matches were games featuring Valencia, Levante, Manises, Jove Espanol, and Hercules de Alicante. Local authorities advised against non-essential travel in the affected areas, leading to the postponement of these matches. The fixtures have been rescheduled for next week, although Real Sociedad’s clash with Jove Espanol in Alicante remains without a new date. The rescheduling reflects the Spanish Football Federation’s prioritization of public safety and its quick response to the tragedy.
Copa del Rey’s Emotional Rollercoaster: A Thrilling Start
For Atletico Madrid, the first round of the Copa del Rey proved to be a far more intense experience than anticipated. While La Liga giants may expect smoother progress against lower-division sides, the Copa del Rey has always been known for its thrilling unpredictability and close encounters. Lower-division clubs like Unio Esportiva Vic give their all in such tournaments, aiming to make a mark by challenging and sometimes even defeating top-tier opponents.
As Atletico Madrid heads into the second round, they’ll need to take the lessons learned from this challenging match with them. Diego Simeone’s decision to field a stronger team than many of his La Liga counterparts underscores the value Atletico places on the Copa del Rey. This approach, along with Alvarez’s heroics, proved essential for Atletico to avoid an early exit from the tournament.
