A goal from an unlikely source has Atletico Madrid 15 minutes away from the Copa del Rey title and their first victory over their city rivals Real Madrid in nearly fourteen years.
Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid: Miranda has Los Colchoneros ahead halfway through extra time
Real Madrid used all three of their subs as extra time began withÁngel Di María, Álvaro Arbeloa and Gonzalo Higuain all entering the fray. Diego Simeone decided to stick with the same players that completed regular time.
Diego Costa came ever so close to giving Atletico a lead in the 95th minute making a fantastic run on the right and splitting the Madrid defense as he ran onto a perfectly placed ball from Koke. Despite being basically one-on-one with Diego Lopez, Costa couldn’t score, mis-hitting his chance allowing the Madrid goalkeeper to make a save.
Atletico kept up the pressure, looking much the better side after the restart and deservedly took a lead in the 98th minute. Again Koke was involved in setting up the chance, this time sending a wicked cross to the near post from the right that was directed past Lopez by defender Miranda with a glancing header.
Gonzalo Higuain was spectacularly denied by Thibaut Courtois in the 105th minute after a poor back pass by Atletico dropped into the box, allowing HIguain to unleash a short range volley that Courtiois somehow kept out of the back of the net with a brilliant kick save.
There are 15 minutes left to play and should Real Madrid find the equalizer, we’ll head to penalty kicks.
See More:
