Atlético de Madrid advanced in the Copa del Rey with a hard-fought 2-3 win over Atlético Baleares, thanks to Griezmann's goals and Musso's key saves. Simeone's side, weak in defense, conceded two goals to the modest Segunda RFEF team. Musso stopped a penalty and prevented an embarrassment in a tense match until the end.
Atlético de Madrid progressed to the next round of the Copa del Rey after beating Atlético Baleares 2-3 at the Estadio Balear, in a first-round match that tested Diego Simeone's professionalism. The rojiblancos, with a mixed lineup of substitutes and starters, started with intensity to resolve the tie quickly against the island Segunda RFEF side, but their defensive fragility complicated matters.
The game kicked off with an error by César de la Hoz that left Juanmi Durán one-on-one with Mariano Musso, but the Argentine goalkeeper cleared with his foot. Minutes later, around the 20th minute, Thiago Almada assisted Conor Gallagher, who crossed for Antoine Griezmann to open the scoring calmly. Shortly after, Javi Molina won a ball and assisted Giacomo Raspadori, who headed in the 0-2. However, a poorly defended corner allowed the home goal: El País credits Gerardo with the finish on the line; El Mundo mentions Bonet in the play. Clément Lenglet's knee injury after just nine minutes was an early blow.
In the second half, Atlético Baleares grew and created danger. Musso saved one-on-ones against Durán and Tovar, and Le Normand cleared Jofre's header off the line. Griezmann extended the lead to 1-3 with a finish from Javi Galán's cross. But Musso fouled for and then saved a penalty on a rash challenge, as per both reports. In the 90th minute, Mamadou Keita converted another penalty for the 2-3 final score, though time had run out. Simeone made changes, bringing on Rodrigo de Paul, Giuliano Simeone, and Koke to refresh midfield.
The Baleares had more clear chances overall, showing grit despite the three-division gap. Musso was Atlético's standout, with three miraculous saves, including a dive on a header from Gerardo (or Catalá, per sources). This win underscores the perils of early Cup rounds against enthusiastic underdogs.
