Griezmann’s free-kick sends Atletico Madrid into Copa del Rey quarter-finals

RIAZOR: Antoine Griezmann’s free-kick goal propelled Atletico Madrid to a 1-0 win from second-tier Deportivo La Coruna here at the Riazor Stadium, securing their spot in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals. Diego Simeone played an almost full-strength squad, with only custodian Jan Oblak rested among regular starts, following a poor start to 2026 that included a 1-1 draw in La Liga against Real Sociedad and a 2-1 loss to fierce rivals Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup.

Early in the game, Atletico controlled and dominated. German Parreno of La Coruna stopped Julian Alvarez’s crisp shot, while Matteo Ruggeri struck the wall in the fifteenth minute.

Atletico’s backup custodian, Juan Musso, expertly stopped Cristian Herrera’s close-range attempt to give La Coruna the lead. Before the pivotal moment came in the 61st minute, Griezmann had grown into the game and had just missed the target with a powerful long-range shot that shook the crossbar in the 40th minute. Griezmann was given a free kick on the edge of the penalty area, and he scored with a left-footed shot that curled into the top corner, giving goalie German Parreno no chance.

For the majority of the second half, Atletico’s defensive structure under Simeone proved unbreakable for a La Coruna team that has now only triumphed once in their previous seven games in all competitions. Despite dominating possession and creating further chances, Atletico struggled to add to their lead, with Griezmann’s strike proving the only goal of the match. Last year’s champions, Barcelona, will play at Racing Club Santander on Thursday. Web Desk