Griezmann rescues Atlético after a dramatic Copa del Rey night in Palma
So, let me walk you through what turned out to be a far more dramatic night than many Atlético de Madrid fans would have expected. In the Copa del Rey round of 32, Atlético travelled to Palma to face Atlético Baleares, and while the final score read 2–3 in favor of the visitors, the story behind it was full of tension, nerves, and a familiar savior in Antoine Griezmann.
From the very start, it was clear this wasn’t going to be a comfortable outing. Baleares came out aggressive, physical, and fearless, feeding off the home crowd and the unique energy that only the Copa del Rey seems to generate. Atlético, rotating several players and still adjusting to the rhythm of the match, looked slightly uneasy in the opening minutes. Even so, quality eventually began to show, and it was Griezmann who once again took control of the situation.
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The Frenchman opened the scoring midway through the first half, calmly finishing after a well-worked move that briefly settled Atlético’s nerves. Just a few minutes later, Raspadori made it 0–2 with a powerful header, and for a moment it felt like the match might turn into a routine exercise for Diego Simeone’s side. But the Copa rarely allows comfort, especially for big teams playing away from home.
Baleares refused to disappear. A chaotic corner situation brought them back into the game, with Bonet scoring to make it 1–2 and completely reigniting belief among the home supporters. From that point on, Atlético were made to suffer. Chances were conceded, pressure kept building, and goalkeeper Musso was forced into several key interventions to keep his team alive.
After the break, Atlético tried to slow things down, but Baleares continued to push, sensing history might be within reach. Simeone responded by introducing Koke and Barrios, players whose presence brought some much-needed calm and control in midfield. That decision proved decisive. A long spell of possession finally stretched the home defense, and once again Griezmann appeared at the perfect moment, finishing a precise cross to make it 1–3 and seemingly seal the tie.
Even then, the drama wasn’t over. A late penalty allowed Baleares to pull one back, making it 2–3 and setting up a tense final stretch. Atlético held on, though not without anxiety, and the final whistle brought visible relief more than celebration.
In the end, Atlético progressed to the next round, but it was made clear that this victory came at a cost of real suffering. And once again, when things became uncomfortable, it was Griezmann who softened the blow and carried his team through.
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