Copa del Rey: Captain Griezmann scores winner as Atletico Madrid sails into round of 16

Copa del Rey: Captain Griezmann scores winner as Atletico Madrid sails into round of 16

A first-half goal from captain Antoine Griezmann gave Atletico Madrid a 1-0 win at third-tier Marbella on Saturday to send it into Copa del Rey round of 16 with a 13th consecutive victory across all competitions.

That equalled Atletico’s best-ever run of victories and coach Diego Simeone’s best winning record at the club since the 2012-13 season.

It was a special game for the Argentine manager, who celebrated 13 years in charge of Atletico by returning to the Rosaleda stadium where he made his debut as their coach.

Simeone was not on the bench, however, after his red card for complaining during his team’s 2-1 win at Cacereno in the previous round.

“We are living this run of wins with calm, with humility, focusing at the moment more on the things we can do better in each of the matches,” Atletico assistant coach Nelson Vivas told reporters.

“We are satisfied and happy not only for the series of victories, but also for the qualification and to continue in the competition.”

Griezmann scored after 16 minutes by tapping in a rebound from the Marbella goalkeeper who had blocked Giuliano Simeone’s close-range attempt.

“We’re doing well, the holiday was good for us, it’s been a tough week of training, we have to improve things and keep dreaming,” Griezmann said.

Rodrigo De Paul thought he had extended the advantage early in the second half but his effort was disallowed for handball and Conor Gallagher’s curling effort struck the post.

The visitors dominated the game and could have posted a more convincing victory had it not been for poor finishing and an improved defensive performance by Marbella after the break.

Atletico, second in the LaLiga standings and two points behind Real Madrid with a game in hand, hosts Osasuna next Sunday.