Copa del Rey surprise sees Atlético Madrid out

Girona played Atlético in the top flight of LaLiga just over a year ago and drew. And since then they’ve drawn four more times, including the two draws of this Copa del Rey tie. Except they drew one apiece in Montilivi and three each in the Metropolitano. The kind of surprise the Copa del Rey throws up, which leaves Atlético Madrid out, just on the day they were bolder, pushing forward, throwing on Griezmann when they were struggling, and who scored to make it 3-2, which seemed like it would be the final score. But Girona didn’t accept defeat and with their third attack scored their third goal. The cup, unlike the league, leaves no margin for rectification. Atleti aren’t in the draw, Girona are.

Sevilla will be too, more for what they did in San Mamés than their performance last night, just like Valencia, Getafe and Real Madrid. Today another three ties will be decided, all of them open, although each one has its favourite. From what we saw yesterday I’m keen, of course, to reflect on Real Madrid, who lost away to Leganés in a match they approached lethargically, due to the 3-0 from the first leg, which they were somewhat lucky to have achieved. Yesterday they lost by a solitary goal, scored by the player who for me was the man of the tie, Danish striker Braithwaite. His appearance will make up for Leganés going out. He’s a fine attacker.

As to Madrid, they could take little away from the match, except maybe for Keylor, who prevented the defeat being any worse than by one goal, and Vinicius, who faced with so little spark from the rest of the team assumed the role of tireless solo striker, with skill, physicality and a touch of danger. Isco played, average tending towards mediocre, and Solari took him off to foment the rumours yet further. Marcelo was back and had another match played between being on the pitch and the beach. This was Leganés’ game. They finished with just one gaol, but they won and went home with the satisfaction of having done their duties. Madrid are through to the next round, but with the same depressed air that’s accompanied their recent games.