Atletico Madrid Reach Copa Del Rey Round Of 16
Atletico Madrid were forced to dig deep against lower-tier Atletico Baleares before sealing a narrow 3-2 victory to progress into the Copa del Rey Round of 16. What appeared straightforward on paper turned into a demanding night in Mallorca, as the hosts pushed the La Liga side until the very end.
Despite taking early control and showing their attacking quality, Atletico Madrid struggled to fully close the game. Atletico Baleares responded with courage and belief, turning the tie into a tense contest that highlighted the unpredictable nature of Spanish cup football.
Match Details and Final Score
The Copa del Rey Round of 32 match was played at the Estadio Balear in Palma, with a lively home crowd creating an intense atmosphere from the opening whistle. Atletico Baleares, competing several divisions below their opponents, embraced the occasion with energy and confidence.
Atletico Madrid eventually secured a 3-2 win, booking their place in the next round. However, the scoreline reflected how competitive the match remained until the final moments, with the hosts pushing hard for a dramatic equaliser.
Atletico Madrid’s Fast and Clinical Start
Atletico Madrid wasted little time asserting themselves on the game. Their early pressing and quick passing unsettled Atletico Baleares, allowing the visitors to establish control within the opening exchanges.
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The breakthrough arrived in the 16th minute when Antoine Griezmann finished calmly to give Atletico Madrid the lead. The goal rewarded their early dominance and helped settle nerves in a potentially tricky away fixture.
Just four minutes later, Atletico Madrid doubled their advantage. Giacomo Raspadori found space inside the penalty area and applied a precise finish to make it 2-0. The quick double strike suggested that Atletico Madrid were on course for a comfortable evening.
Atletico Baleares Refuse to Back Down
Rather than retreating, Atletico Baleares responded with impressive character. The hosts increased their tempo and began committing more players forward, testing Atletico Madrid’s defensive structure.
Their persistence paid off in the 28th minute when Gerardo Bonet scored from close range. The goal reignited the home crowd and shifted momentum, reminding Atletico Madrid that the tie was far from over.
From that point on, Atletico Baleares played with growing confidence. They pressed aggressively, challenged for second balls, and made the match increasingly uncomfortable for their more established opponents.
A Balanced and Competitive First Half
The remainder of the first half saw both teams trade attacking moments. Atletico Madrid continued to enjoy more possession, but Baleares’ direct approach and physical presence ensured that chances were shared.
Defensively, Atletico Madrid looked less secure than expected, particularly when dealing with quick transitions and crosses into the box. Atletico Baleares sensed opportunity and carried real threat whenever they advanced into the final third.
As the teams went into halftime with the score at 2-1, the contest remained finely poised, with the outcome still uncertain.
Second-Half Control and Renewed Pressure
Atletico Madrid emerged from the break determined to regain authority. Their midfield slowed the tempo, aiming to limit Baleares’ momentum and reduce the risk of another comeback goal.
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Atletico Baleares, however, remained disciplined and organised. They defended in numbers and looked to exploit moments on the counterattack, forcing Atletico Madrid to remain alert.
The match settled into a tense rhythm, with Atletico Madrid searching for a decisive third goal while Baleares waited patiently for another opening.
Griezmann Delivers Again
The decisive moment arrived in the 72nd minute. Antoine Griezmann, once again at the heart of Atletico Madrid’s attacking play, scored his second goal of the night to restore a two-goal advantage.
The finish provided much-needed breathing space for the visitors and underlined Griezmann’s importance in high-pressure knockout matches. His movement and composure proved the key difference between the two sides.
At 3-1, Atletico Madrid appeared to have the tie under control, but the drama was not yet finished.
Late Penalty Sparks Nervy Finish
As the match entered its closing stages, Atletico Baleares pushed forward with renewed urgency. Their attacking intent was rewarded in the 90th minute when they were awarded a penalty.
Moha Keita stepped up and converted confidently, reducing the deficit to 3-2 and sending the home supporters into celebration. The goal set up a tense stoppage-time period, with Atletico Madrid forced to defend deep.
Despite Baleares’ late pressure, Atletico Madrid managed the final moments effectively, preventing any clear chances and ensuring progression to the next round.
Standout Performers on the Night
Antoine Griezmann was the standout performer for Atletico Madrid. His two goals, including the opener and the crucial third, proved decisive in securing victory and guiding his team through a challenging tie.
Giacomo Raspadori also played a key role, scoring early and contributing to Atletico Madrid’s attacking threat. His movement caused problems for the Baleares defence, especially in the opening stages.
For Atletico Baleares, Gerardo Bonet and Moha Keita stood out with their goals. Beyond the scorers, the entire Baleares side earned praise for their work rate, belief, and fearless approach against elite opposition.
Tactical Analysis and Match Flow
Atletico’s quick start was central to their success, but the match exposed moments of vulnerability, particularly when the team dropped intensity. Baleares capitalised on these lapses with direct play and aggressive pressing.
The hosts’ physicality and willingness to commit numbers forward disrupted Atletico Madrid’s rhythm. Set-piece situations and transitions posed ongoing challenges for the visitors throughout the contest.
Ultimately, Atletico Madrid’s experience and clinical finishing made the difference. While Baleares created pressure, Atletico Madrid were more efficient in decisive moments.
Post-Match Perspective
The result sends Atletico into the Copa del Rey Round of 16, keeping their pursuit of domestic silverware alive. However, the narrow victory highlighted areas requiring improvement, particularly in game management and defensive concentration.
For Atletico Baleares, the defeat marked the end of an impressive cup run. Despite elimination, their performance showcased the spirit and competitiveness that define the Copa del Rey and earned them respect across Spanish football.
What the Result Means Going Forward
Madrid remain one of the strongest contenders in the competition, but the match served as a reminder that knockout football allows little margin for error. Stronger opponents in later rounds will demand higher levels of consistency.
Atletico Baleares can take pride in pushing a top-flight side to the limit. The experience gained from this match will serve as a valuable benchmark for the club moving forward.
Atletico’s 3-2 win over Atletico Baleares was a test of resilience, patience, and experience. Early goals provided an advantage, but sustained pressure from the hosts ensured a tense finish.
Antoine Griezmann’s quality proved decisive, while Atletico Baleares’ courage and belief made the contest memorable. The match once again highlighted why the Copa del Rey continues to deliver drama, emotion, and unforgettable moments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What was the final score of Atletico Baleares vs Atletico Madrid?
A. Atletico Madrid won the match 3-2 against Atletico Baleares.
Q2. Who scored for Atletico Madrid in the match?
A. Antoine Griezmann scored twice, while Giacomo Raspadori added the other goal.
Q3. Who scored for Atletico Baleares?
A. Gerardo Bonet and Moha Keita scored for Atletico Baleares.
Q4. Which competition was the match part of?
A. The match was played in the 2025-26 Copa del Rey Round of 32.
Q5. Did Atletico Madrid qualify for the next round?
A. Yes, Atletico Madrid qualified for the Copa del Rey Round of 16.
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