Atlético de Madrid are into the next round of the Copa del Rey and, in isolation, that is all that really matters.
Against Atlético Baleares on Mallorca, Diego Simeone opted for wholesale rotation, resting nearly all his regular starters against lower-division opposition with the Christmas break in sight. Early goals from Antoine Griezmann and Giacomo Raspadori appeared to put the Rojiblancos in control, offering the chance to manage the game and in a low-pressure environment.
Instead, defensive lapses
and moments of poor concentration kept the hosts alive and turned what should have been a routine evening into a slightly more tense affair. There was also another injury setback, and familiar moments of self-inflicted damage ensured that this never quite felt like the cruise it should have been.
In the end, Atleti move on — but not without reminders of the issues that continue to follow them into the latter half of the season.
Sensible rotation, questionable defending
With just one game remaining before the holiday break, Simeone made 10 changes from the side that hosted Valencia on Saturday in a clear prioritization of fitness, especially with the early trip to Jeddah in the new year for the Supercopa de España. In that sense, the night largely served its purpose.
Going forward, there was little to complain about. The attacking structure functioned well enough, and two quick goals ensured that Atleti always had some level of control on the game. The problems, however, emerged at the other end. A back line lacking rhythm and confidence struggled to maintain concentration, giving Atlético Baleares far too many glimpses of hope.
Nahuel Molina was a prime example of this. He was at the centre of the first defensive scare, misjudging a routine situation in the 13th minute and allowing Baleares an early chance that could have altered the tone of the match. It was the kind of error that spoke less to form and more to sharpness but against stronger opposition, those moments rarely go unpunished. He did provide a good cross to pick up an assist under seven minutes later and put Atleti two goals ahead but overall, it was a rather polarizing night for the Argentine.
Robin Le Normand’s return was another subplot worth monitoring. On his first start since coming back from a knee injury, the Spain international looked rusty, misjudging a few situations and lacking authority. Le Normand has been questioned several times this season already, with the defender yet to show the consistency he showed when he first arrived at the club. This game is not yet a cause for panic, but it was a reminder that Atlético are still waiting for several key pieces to return to full sharpness.
Growing injury list
Clément Lenglet’s injury inside 10 minutes forced an early change and added yet another name to the growing list. Marcos Llorente, José María Giménez and Álex Baena are already sidelined, and the broader context only deepens the concern.
It was not that long ago when much of Atlético’s summer recruitment struggled with injuries. Thiago Almada and Johnny Cardoso both missed several weeks of key adaptation time recovering from strains and sprains; they got much-needed minutes in their legs on Wednesday, but they have not yet had the run of games that was expected when the season began.
Lenglet’s injury — fortunately, not as bad as first feared — once again disrupted Atlético’s defensive continuity. Every reshuffle forces adjustments in positioning, communication and responsibilities, areas that have already proven fragile at times this season. The cumulative effect of these setbacks continues to shape Atlético’s campaign, particularly as the schedule intensifies and rotation becomes less of a luxury and more of a necessity.
For Lenglet, the timing was particularly unfortunate. His performances this season have been inconsistent and far from passable, but this Copa del Rey tie represented a valuable opportunity to build confidence against lower-division opposition and play without the pressure that accompanies league fixtures. Instead, his night ended before it could properly begin. I have been largely critical of the Frenchman’s performances this season, but if winter incomings are not on the agenda, Atleti will need all the help they can get.
Familiar scares Atlético should be learning to avoid
At 2–0 up within 20 minutes, Atlético should have been able to manage the game with minimal fuss. The occasion, the opponent and the scoreline all pointed toward a quiet night. Instead, Juan Musso needed to make seven saves, and the team conceded two more goals from set pieces; had Jaume Tovar scored his 80th-minute penalty, this game may well have gone to extra time.
Baleares carved out genuine chances that Atlético will feel they gifted them. More frustratingly, this is not an isolated issue. It has been a recurring pattern throughout the season, particularly away from home, where Atlético have struggled to impose control once the initial advantage is established.
Atlético have kept just six clean sheets in 24 matches this season, with only two coming on the road. While they are tied for the second-fewest goals conceded in La Liga, the frequency and regularity with which they concede has consistently bogged them down. Too often games that should be managed comfortably turn into unnecessary tests of resilience.
On nights like this, the consequences are limited. In tougher away fixtures, they are not. As Atlético look toward the second half of the season, the hope will be that these patterns finally begin to fade. Progression in the Copa del Rey is welcome, but the lessons from are familiar ones — and ones Simeone will be keen to see addressed sooner rather than later.
