Sports

Atletico in Copa semis with narrow win over Sevilla

Madrid, Jan 25 (EFE).- Dutch forward Memphis Depay came from the bench to score the winner and send Atletico de Madrid to the Copa del Rey semifinals with a narrow 1-0 win over Sevilla at home on Thursday.

The Madrid side, who joined Real Sociedad, Athletic Bilbao, and Real Mallorca in the semifinals, had a video assistant referee to thank after he overturned a late penalty initially awarded to Sevilla for an apparent foul on Erik Lamela.

The match started on a somber note after news broke out that two Sevilla fans—father and son—and a truck driver died on their way to the Spanish capital, prompting the players to observe a moment of silence before the game to pay respect.

Sevilla, struggling badly in La Liga, made a strong start out of desperation but conceded a penalty when Brazilian Marcao fouled Argentine Nahuel Molina in the 25th minute.

But Antoine Griezmann slipped on contact, sending the ball three meters over the bar to frustrate Atletico.

Atletico progressed towards goal a few times but could not break the resolve of Sevilla, which prompted coach Diego Simeone to withdraw both Griezmann and Alvaro Morata for Depay and Angel Correa together.

The ploy worked as Correa turned around Marcao inside the box to set up Depay, who changed the direction of a low cross from the right into the left corner to break the deadlock in the 78th minute.

“Memphis and Correa did what I asked for in the game—the one-on-one, the overflow. We were lucky that Correa made the play and Memphis finished,” said Simeone.

“We want this competition because we have obviously made a great effort. We celebrated at the end because, in the first half, we could not develop the game we wanted,” added the Argentine coach of Atletico.

The win protected Atletico’s long unbeaten run at Metropolitano, with 24 wins and two draws in their previous 26 matches. EFE

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