Despite a poor performance in Palma, Atlético de Madrid would not be denied as the Rojiblancos advanced to the Copa del Rey’s round of 16.
A heavily-rotated Atlético was shaky in defense for much of the
evening, and Diego Simeone’s men were frankly fortunate to escape with just two goals conceded. A brave Atlético Baleares were unfazed at falling behind 2-0 inside 20 minutes and had the much-richer visitors on their heels for much of the night. In particular, the Segunda B side exposed Atlético’s lackluster box defending and ineptitude at defending set pieces.
Even still, Atleti progressed, and Simeone will have seen much that he needs to improve. Let’s get to the ratings.
Player Ratings
Juan Musso: He perhaps could have done more to prevent Gerardo Bonet’s rebound tap-in in the 28th minute, but he responded well with a string of brilliant saves after, including two stops on Juanmi Durán and Jaume Tovar shortly after half-time. The Argentine atoned for a mistake that led to Tovar’s penalty by producing a wonderful save to preserve Atlético’s two-goal lead. The save of the night came in the 86th minute, when Musso made an acrobatic stop to deny Jaume Pol’s header. He was less fortunate on the second penalty, as Mouhamadou Keita beat him to pull one back for the hosts. 7
Nahuel Molina: Dreadful defending led to a huge chance for Baleares in the 13th minute. To his credit, he showed resilience in the attacking third, regaining confidence and delivering a delightful cross for Raspadori to head home Atlético’s second goal. 4
Clément Lenglet: An awkward challenge from Alejandro Pérez forced Lenglet off with an apparent knee injury in the 9th minute, and Dávid Hancko replaced him. Unfortunate for Lenglet, as this match could have helped him build confidence. N/A
Robin Le Normand: A poor outing from the Spain international. Beaten several times when pulled wide to either flank and did little to stem Baleares’ attacking efforts. 4
Javi Galán: A quiet first half seemed to motivate him to generate more chances after the break. Galán showcased his crossing ability and made the home side uncomfortable, a threat that was capped by an assist for Griezmann’s second goal of the night. With reports claiming that Javi could leave in the winter window, this may have been the Spaniard’s last match in red and white. 6
Conor Gallagher: Fantastic run and assist for Griezmann’s opening goal. Relentlessly pressed and applied pressure to the Atlético Baleares back line all night. The Englishman was all over the pitch, winning duels and delivering effective passes and actions in the attacking half. 7
Johnny Cardoso: Another solid outing from the American. He provided a couple strong tackles in the first half and proved adept at breaking up attacking attempts from Atlético Baleares. Overall, a steady performance as he looks to cement his place as Simeone’s permanent No. 5. 6
Carlos Martín: Could have done better defending the headed goal from Bonet. Offered little in the final third and missed an outstanding headed opportunity to start the second half from a Griezmann corner. 5
Thiago Almada: Played a beautiful ball that turned into a hockey assist for Gallagher, opening the scoring for Los Colchoneros in the 17th minute. Almada had his moments but struggled to generate much beyond that initial chance. 6
Giacomo Raspadori: Wonderful header from Molina’s cross to make it 2–0 in the 20th minute. He consistently demonstrated his ability to create chances and get in behind the defense, setting up goal-scoring opportunities throughout the match. Speculated Roma interest might see Raspadori leave the club too soon before he gets a decent chance, but maybe Simeone will take this performance as a sign to play the Italian more regularly. 8
Antoine Griezmann: Atlético’s captain for the first hour of the match did well to finish the chance created by Gallagher to open the scoring. He seemed to be all over the pitch, in vintage Griezmann fashion. A magnificent second strike from a Galán cross extended the lead to 3-1. The Frenchman appears to be finding form again, with goals in back-to-back matches and a brand-new haircut to boot. 8
Substitutes
Dávid Hancko: Subbed on for Lenglet in the 10th minute. Not the best outing from the Slovakian. He did head away a dangerous ball that ultimately resulted in a penalty conceded by Musso, and he made a couple important recoveries. But he was part of a poor back line. 5
Giuliano Simeone: Replaced Carlos Martín in the 66th minute. A quiet substitute appearance from Simeone, though to be fair, he was not asked to do much. 5
Pablo Barrios: Entered for Gallagher in the 66th minute. Another quiet performance in midfield, as his role was largely to help see out the lead. 5
Koke: Replaced Johnny in the 66th minute. The midfield gains structure and poise whenever Koke is on the pitch. Even in the twilight of his career, the lifelong Atlético anchor continues to give everything to help his boyhood club. 6
Nico González: Replaced Almada in the 82nd minute. Conceded a completely unnecessary penalty in the 88th minute and offered little else. 3
