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Atletico Madrid logo
Copa del Rey | Quarter-Finals
Jan 27, 2016 at 7.30pm UK
 
Celta Vigo logo

2-3

Griezmann (29'), Correa (82')
FT(HT: 1-1)
Hernandez (22', 64'), Guidetti (56')

Live Commentary: Atletico Madrid 2-3 Celta Vigo - as it happened

Sports Mole provides live updates of the Copa del Rey quarter-final second leg between Atletico Madrid and Celta Vigo.
2

Celta Vigo stunned Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night by grabbing a place in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey with a 3-2 victory at the Vicente Calderon.

Antoine Griezmann cancelled out Pablo Hernandez's opening goal in the first half, but the visitors scored two more times to strengthen their away-goal advantage.

John Guidetti netted from 30 yards out and Hernandez scored his second before second-half substitute Angel Correa scored a consolation goal in the 82nd minute.

Discover how the game unfolded in Sports Mole's text updates below.


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Hello all! It's a big night of cup football in Spain as two quarter-final ties of the Copa del Rey will be completed this evening. Barcelona are in action against Athletic Bilbao at the Camp Nou, but first up, Atletico Madrid will face Celta Vigo for a spot in the semi-finals.

Diego Simeone's side are very much in contention for the league title this season as they are currently second in La Liga on level points with leaders Barcelona, who are top because of a better goal difference - they have 14 more goals in the plus column than Atletico. Simeone's team also have a great chance of winning a cup this season as they face Celta on home turf this evening.

As for the visitors, they are also in a decent position in the league table. They may not be winning the league anytime soon, but they are fifth in the standings, seven points behind fourth placed Villarreal. Last season, Celta failed to reach the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey, so they have gone one better already in this campaign. Eduardo Berizzo and his team will be aiming higher than that, though, as they managed to restrict Atletico to a goalless draw in the first leg.

Right, before we go any further, let's bring you the lineups for tonight's teams...

ATLETICO XI: Moya; Juanfran, Gimenez, Godin, Filipe; Saul, Gabi, Koke; Griezmann, Vietto, Carrasco

Simeone has fielded a strong side for tonight's clash! Miguel Moya returns to his spot in goal, with Juanfran, Jose Gimenez, Diego Godin and Filipe Luis lining the back four. Saul Niguez, Gabi and Koke line the midfield, while Antoine Griezmann, Luciano Vietto and Yannick Carrasco provide the attacking threat.
Oblak; Juanfran, Godin, Savic, Luis; Gabi, Augusto, Koke; Saul, Vietto, Griezmann


CELTA VIGO XI: Blanco; Castro, Cabral, Gomez, Mallo; Hernandez, Radoja; Wass, Orellana, Guidetti; Aspas

The visitors have set up with Ruben Blanco in between the sticks and a back four of Jonny Castro, Gustavo Cabral, Sergi Gomez and Hugo Mallo. Pablo Hernandez, Nemanja Radoja, Daniel Wass, Fabian Orellana and John Guidetti have earned their spots in the lineup, with Iago Aspas leading the line.

Despite Atletico being in contention for the title, it has not been the best few days for the Madrid-based team. They had a big chance of going back to the summit of the La Liga table on Sunday, but they failed to find the back of the net in a goalless draw against Sevilla. That result came just four days after their stalemate against Celta Vigo in the first leg. It marked the first time this season that Atletico have not scored in two successive games.

Simeone's team seem to be missing their shooting boots, despite scoring an overall total of six goals in games against Las Palmas and Rayo Vallecano almost a fortnight ago. In fact, Atletico's total of 30 league goals so far is only the sixth best in the top flight. Antoine Griezmann may want to have a say on that, though, as he has scored four in five league games - two of which came in the Madrid side's 3-0 win over Las Palmas.

When recently asked about Atletico's defensive struggles, Gabi told reporters: "Our lack of goals has not been a problem so far. It's true that we are winning a lot of games by a minimal margin, but we also had a lot of matches like that when we won La Liga.

"You have to take a positive approach. We hope that our attackers are not the only ones providing goals. Our midfielders will have to contribute as well in order to make sure we don't have any regrets at the end of the season.

"The match against Celta will be very complicated. They were very direct in the first game and caused us problems. But I think we are ready for the challenge ahead.'

Atletico Madrid's Gabi vies with Celta Vigo's Daniel Wass on January 20, 2016.© AFP


Jackson Martinez, Luciano Vietto and Fernando Torres have struggled for goals this season and it is something that Atletico have needed to address all season so far. Defensively, though, they are very solid. So much so that they have only conceded eight goals in 21 league fixtures and kept 14 clean sheets. It's important, though, that Simeone finds the balance as that could be the difference between them winning the title and missing out.

Off the pitch, the club has been struck by a transfer ban from FIFA. Atletico are prohibited from registering new players in the next two transfer windows as they are alleged to have breached rules in relation to the signing of Under-18 players. Real Madrid have also been dealt the same fate. However, both clubs intend to appeal.

Speaking of transfers, it looks as though Torres's dream return to his boyhood club will come to an end in the summer. The former Liverpool and Chelsea striker joined Atletico on loan from AC Milan last year, but according to AS, Simone has told the Spaniard that he does not want to keep him for next season. It has been a surprisingly quick decline for Torres, who has scored just two goals in 16 appearances for his boyhood club.

Atletico Madrid's Fernando Torres in action during the game with Barcelona on September 12, 2015© Getty Images


Now, back to the game at hand. Atletico will be desperate to reach the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey, but this Saturday's league clash against Barcelona is bound to be in the back of their minds. The result of that encounter could potentially shape the rest of their season with regards to a title challenge.

The fact that Atletico will have one eye on this weekend's match against Barca could work out well for Celta. With the tie being goalless, the visitors this evening have a great chance of causing an upset, but they face a battle in trying to get through Atletico's defence, particularly because that have not managed to score in three of their last five games, two of which were against Atletico.

Berizzo's side are not heading into the contest with much momentum as they were on the end of a 3-0 defeat to Rayo Vallecano at the weekend. In their last five games in La Liga, they have conceded 10 goals and they even allowed three goals past them in their solitary win this month against Levante. This season, Celta have only managed to keep four clean sheets and ironically, Iago Aspas, who struggled to make an impact at Liverpool, is the team's leading scorer with 11 goals.

According to AS, ahead of the game Celta boss Berizzo said: "Much of the match lies in the balance of attacking and not conceding because Atletico are an opponent who will punish you for disorder.

"I hope we find the way to goal but it seems to me that it is more important to find the balance between scoring and not conceding.

"We believe in being true to ourselves, playing our game, and then our chances improve. We will have a lot of personality to develop our plan against a very difficult opponent at a ground that requires a lot of concentration. How high up the pitch we recover the ball will be important to take away from an opponent who uses space very well."

Celta Vigo's Argentinian coach Eduardo Berizzo (L) gestures during the Spanish league football match Celta Vigo vs FC Barcelona at the Balaidos stadium in Vigo on September 23, 2015© Getty Images


Celta's league form might not be the best right now, but they have done well in the Copa del Rey having ousted Almeria and Cadiz on their route to the quarter-finals. The last time that Celta and Atletico went head to head in this competition, though, Atletico came out on top 1-0 in the quarter-finals. That was in the 09-10 campaign. In total, Atletico have the edge over Celta as they have won 65 of their 109 head-to-head matches.

The game will be getting underway in a matter of minutes. Who will make it through? Atletico or Celta?

KICKOFF! Celta get us underway in sky blue, kicking right to left...

The visitors show some very early pressure! Wass charges down the left side of the area, heading for the byline. Juanfran manages to cope, though, as he blocks his opponent from getting a cross into the box.

Both sides have fielded strong teams this evening, so make no mistake, they're both very much up for this one! Even Saturday's upcoming clash against Barcelona has not stopped Simeone from selecting a strong Atleti XI.

Neither side have created a meaningful chance as yet, but Celta are causing some problems for the hosts as they are pressing high and stinging together some decent passes in the midfield.

CHANCE! Atletico get two quick corners, and from the second, the ball is defended in the box, but it bobbles into the path of Koke, who unleashes a shot, but the ball hits the ground and ends up going wide.

Atletico have looked very strong in these early set pieces, trying to exploit a nervy defence, but so far the away side have managed to handle them.

The home side have had plenty of the ball in the last couple of minutes, knocking it around the penalty area trying to find a way through. The ball is eventually lifted into the box by Luis, but it goes into no-mans land and bobbles out for a goal kick.

Vietto plays in Griezmann on the left, but they lose the momentum as Celta fill their own box and Atletico are forced back. They try again when Luis plays the ball forward for Vietto, but the defender gets there first and gives away a corner.

SHOT! Griezmann tries to add to his goal tally as he goes for a long-range strike aiming for the centre of the box. The goalkeeper spills it and Vietto charges in with the hope of nicking it, but he catches Blanco on the chest instead.

The referee blew the whistle for a foul and now Blanco is receiving medical treatment, but the goalkeeper seems well enough to continue.

BOOKING! Vietto is issued with a yellow card for colliding with the keeper.

At the other end, the ball is floated into the box towards Guidetti, who goes for a header but it flies over the crossbar, failing to trouble the keeper.

SAVE! Blanco denies Saul! It's a great move from Atletico as Saul charges into the box and gets round his Gomez before collecting the ball and going for a left-footed shot aiming for the far post, but the goalkeeper tracks him and drops down to make the save.

GOAL! ATLETICO 0-1 CELTA (HERNANDEZ)

Wow, Celta have taken the lead at the Vicente Calderon! Just as Atletico were having a decent spell of pressure, the visiting side have unleashed a sucker-punch. The ball is crossed into the box by Orellana from a short corner. It finds Hernandez perfectly and the midfielder heads the ball into the bottom left corner. Advantage Celta!

Oh dear, what are you doing Gabi?! He gives the ball away in a dangerous area and Celta go on the move. The ball is played out to Aspas, but his shot at the near post is weak and Atletico get away with it.

GOAL! ATLETICO 1-1 CELTA (GRIEZMANN)

Atletico get back on level terms! It's Griezmann who gets the crucial goal for the home side, but that's because he was in the right place at the right time. Carrasco moves to the edge of the box and goes for goal. Blanco makes the stop, but he fails to parry it away and Griezmann is there to pick up the rebound and knock it into the box. Game on!

Some handbags from Orellana and Gimenez! While on the ground, Orellana seems to kick out at the Atletico player, who doesn't take it kindly. He then pushes his opponent, but it doesn't get more heated and they both escape a booking.

Despite conceding, Celta are on the frontfoot. They are awarded a free kick, which is delivered into the penalty area by Wass, but it gets a slight deflection and the away side get a corner, which comes to nothing.

At the other end, Vietto charges down the left and tries to slide the ball into the box for Koke, but he overhits it slightly and Celta manage to clean up.

BOOKING! Guidetti goes into the book for trying to turn the referee's attention to Saul's apparent foul on Hernandez. The Atletico man appears to catch the back of the Chilean's head.

It's been a well-contested half with plenty of challenges in the middle of the park, but there has not been that many chances so far. Saul has looked the most lively, but Vietto needs to get on the ball more.

Griezmann sends a deep cross into the area and the goalkeeper seems unsure on how to handle it, but the ball ends up gliding over the bar.

Carrasco does not look best played. The midfielder gets knocked off balance after spinning on the ball, but the referee opts against blowing up for a foul.

Atletico turn up the heat in the final few minutes of the half as the ball is delivered into the box, but Orellana manages to lash the ball away from danger, giving away a corner. The ball is whipped in from Koke, but it's cleared.

HALF-TIME: ATLETICO 1-1 CELTA

A decent first half comes to an end with Atletico and Celta earning one goal apiece. The visitors opened the scoring after weathering some pressure from their hosts. Pablo Hernandez was the man to find the back of the net with a perfect header, but it didn't take long for Atletico to respond as Antoine Griezmann scored seven minutes later to level terms and keep the quarter-final nicely poised. Remember, Atletico need to win in order to make it through to the next round because of Celta's away goal. We'll return for the second half shortly!

RESTART! Atletico get the second half underway! Celta have made one change at the break as goalkeeper Ruben Blanco makes way for Sergio Alvarez.

Atletico win an early free kick as Mallo brings down Vietto. The ball is chipped into the box by Gabi, but it's headed clear by Gomez.

Guidetti and Aspas link up on the corner of the box, but the move breaks down when Aspas's attempt at a cross bounces off an Atletico defender.

CHANCE! Griezmann spots Vietto in the box and delivers the ball into the area behind the defence. His teammate gets on the end of it, but he stabs his effort wide. The flag was up anyway, so even if he'd made it, it wouldn't have counted.

CHANCE! Aspas comes close but wastes it. The former Liverpool striker receives the ball from Guidetti, who wins it in the air, but the forward's half-volley goes wide.

GOAL DISALLOWED! Celta have the ball in the back of the net, but it's ruled out by the linesman. Guidetti charges into the box, but pokes the ball straight at the keeper. The play is still alive, though, as it bobbles towards the byline before going out. Guidetti still thinks it's in play as he pulls it back for Orellana to tap in, but the whistle blows.

GOAL! ATLETICO 1-2 CELTA (GUIDETTI)

What a goal from John Guidetti! The former Manchester City man picks up the ball after it's robbed off Saul by Radoja and the Swedish forward unleashes a 30-yard shot, which curls into the top right corner!

Celta have given themselves a huge chance of reaching the semi-finals as they have two away goals, meaning that Atletico need to score another two if they are to make it through.

ATLETICO SUB: Simone shakes things up by brining Angel Correa on for Carrasco.

OFF THE BAR! Atletico come close to responding again as Correa storms through the middle of the park to get on the end of Vietto's pass. He unleashes a powerful shot from 18 yards out but it clatters off the crossbar.

GOAL! ATLETICO 1-3 CELTA (HERNANDEZ)

Pablo Hernandez gets his second goal and gives Atletico a mountain to climb in this quarter-final! Wass spots Mallo's run before sending the ball forward. The right-back has plenty of time and space to cross the ball into the box and find Hernandez, who heads home.

BOOKINGS! Filipe Luis gives away a silly could by bringing down Aspas and then kicking him while he's on the ground. Signs of frustration for the home side. Mall also goes in the book for a high leg.

Dear oh dear, some boos come from the crowd as Vietto fluffs another opportunity. The ball is played into the box for the Atletico man, who gets in space and just has to beat the keeper, but it's wear effort and is easily gathered.

It's getting worse for Vietto as he sprints towards the box before tuning back on himself, He then tries to send the ball in behind for Griezmann, but he's misjudged it badly and the ball bobbles out for a goal kick.

BOOKINGS! The frustration keeps on coming for Atletico as both Gabi and Koke receive cautions for giving away silly fouls.

GOAL! ATLETICO 2-3 CELTA (CORREA)

Game on! Atletico pull one back and it's thanks to substitute Correa. The attacker takes on three defenders and gets through them all before drilling the ball into the bottom right corner. Celta have around eight minutes to hold on!

Celta come close as Mallo latches onto Hernandez's pass in the box, but he slips as he tries to control the ball and the opportunity goes missing.

SAVE! Alvarez makes a crucial save as Oliver latches into a low pass from Griezmann, but the keeper stops the shot with his foot.

FULL-TIME: ATLETICO 2-3 CELTA

Celta Vigo have caused a huge upset by knocking Atletico Madrid out of the Copa del Rey at the quarter-final stage! Eduardo Berizzo's side have sealed a place in the semis for the first time in 15 years with a 3-2 triumph. Thank you for joining us, and until next time, goodbye!

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Celta de Vigo's new coach, Argentinian Eduardo Berizzo walks across the field during his presentation at the Balaidos stadium in Vigo on June 2, 2014
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