Atlético Madrid vs Sevilla: A Rivalry Renewed in Copa del Rey
Match Statistics
 1 |
Copa del Rey Quarter-final |
 0 |
|---|
| 10 | Shots | 6 |
| 4 | Shots on target | 1 |
| 58% | Possession | 42% |
| 573 | Passes | 426 |
| 86% | Pass accuracy | 80% |
| 15 | Fouls | 13 |
| 3 | Red Cards | 6 |
| 5 | Offsides | 1 |
| 1 | Corners | 3 |
The Uruguayan striker scored his 19th goal of the season in the 86th minute, after a brilliant assist from João Félix. The result means that Atlético Madrid advanced to the semifinals of the competition for the first time since 2017, while Sevilla missed out on their chance to win their sixth Copa del Rey title.
The match was a tense and tight affair, with both teams showing defensive solidity and tactical discipline. Sevilla had more possession and shots, but Atlético Madrid were more clinical and dangerous on the counter-attack.
The hosts had the first clear chance of the game in the 18th minute when Marcos Llorente tested Sevilla goalkeeper Bono with a powerful shot from outside the box.
Sevilla responded with a header from Lucas Ocampos that went just wide of the post in the 25th minute.
The second half saw more intensity and urgency from both sides, as they searched for the decisive goal.
Sevilla had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock in the 65th minute when Ivan Rakitic was fouled by Stefan Savić in the penalty area.
However, the Croatian midfielder saw his spot-kick saved by Atlético Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak, who dived to his right and pushed the ball away.
Oblak proved to be the hero for the home team, as he made several crucial saves to keep his clean sheet intact.
Atlético Madrid finally found the breakthrough in the 86th minute, when João Félix dribbled past two defenders and delivered a perfect cross for Suárez, who headed the ball into the bottom corner.
The goal sparked wild celebrations from the Atlético Madrid players and fans, who knew they had secured their place in the last four of the tournament.
Sevilla tried to equalize in the remaining minutes, but Atlético Madrid held on to their slender lead and claimed a hard-fought win.
The victory extends Atlético Madrid's unbeaten run to 15 games in all competitions and keeps them on track for a possible domestic double.
They are currently leading the La Liga table by eight points, with a game in hand. Sevilla, on the other hand, suffered their first defeat in 10 games and will have to focus on their league and Champions League campaigns.
They are fourth in La Liga, four points behind third-placed Real Madrid, and will face Borussia Dortmund in the last 16 of the Champions League.
In the Copa del Rey, Atlético have reached the quarter-finals by beating Rayo Vallecano (3-1), Real Betis (2-0), and Real Madrid (3-2). Sevilla have eliminated Linares Deportivo (6-0), Cádiz (3-0), and Getafe (3-1).
The last time the two teams met in the Copa del Rey was in the 2017-18 season when Sevilla knocked out Atlético in the semi-finals with a 5-2 aggregate win.
The head-to-head record between Atlético and Sevilla
The two teams have a long and intense history of rivalry, dating back to the 1920s when they first met in the regional Andalusian Championship. Since then, they have played 170 official matches, with Atlético winning 77, Sevilla winning 57, and 36 draws.
The head-to-head record between Atlético and Sevilla in the Copa del Rey is very balanced, with 11 wins for each team and six draws. However, Sevilla has the edge in terms of goals scored, with 46 against Atlético's 40.
The most memorable match between the two teams in the cup was the 2010 final when Sevilla won 2-0 with goals from Diego Capel and Jesús Navas.
Recent Form and Statistics
Both teams are in good form and have high ambitions for the season.
Atlético are the reigning La Liga champions and are currently second in the table, four points behind leaders Real Madrid.
Sevilla are fourth, six points behind Atlético, but have two games in hand. Both teams are also still in the Champions League, with Atlético facing Juventus and Sevilla facing Manchester City in the round of 16.
