Deportivo La Coruna vs Atletico Madrid Match Recap - Jan 13, 2026

Griezmann's Brilliance Seals Copa Del Rey Progress for Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid's 1-0 victory over Deportivo La Coruna in the Copa del Rey Round of 16 underscores their resilience amid recent struggles. The win marks a crucial step forward for Atletico, who have faced a challenging stretch, including a Super Cup semi-final loss to rivals Real Madrid just days prior. This match showcased the tactical discipline instilled by coach Diego Simeone, allowing them to grind out a result despite not being at their attacking best.

Griezmann emerged as the hero once again, scoring the decisive goal in the 61st minute. His performance was a continuation of his recent form, where he has been pivotal in Atletico's attacking play. Griezmann's ability to find space and convert chances has been a lifeline for a team that has struggled to maintain consistency. This match adds to his tally, reinforcing his status as a key player in knockout competitions.

Atletico Madrid dominated possession with 54%, reflecting their control over the game. They also led in total shots with 10 compared to Deportivo's 3, indicating a clear offensive strategy aimed at breaking down the opposition. Despite this, Atletico's pass accuracy dipped slightly to 86%, suggesting that while they were able to create opportunities, their execution could improve. This inconsistency in passing mirrors their recent performances, where they have often struggled to convert possession into clear-cut chances.

Deportivo La Coruna's recent form has been a mixed bag, with only one win in their last five matches prior to this fixture. Their defensive frailties were evident again, as they failed to contain Atletico's attacking threats effectively. Despite holding a respectable 89% pass accuracy, Deportivo struggled to translate this into meaningful offensive output, managing only 1 shot on target throughout the match. This lack of clinical finishing has been a recurring theme for Deportivo, who have often dominated possession without converting it into goals.

The contrast between the two teams' recent performances is stark. Atletico Madrid, despite their recent setbacks, showed resilience and tactical awareness that has been a hallmark of Simeone's tenure. They have now secured two wins in their last three matches, including this crucial cup tie. In contrast, Deportivo's inability to secure victories has left them vulnerable, and this match further highlighted their struggles against higher-tier opposition.

Eddahchouri, who has been a bright spot for Deportivo this season with his seven-goal tally, found himself isolated and unable to make an impact against Atletico's organized defense. His lack of service was symptomatic of Deportivo's overall performance, where they failed to create significant chances. The absence of a cohesive attacking strategy left them exposed and unable to capitalize on any potential weaknesses in Atletico's backline.

Atletico's defensive unit, led by Llorente and Hancko, effectively neutralized Deportivo's threats. They limited the home side to just 3 total shots and maintained composure under pressure. This defensive solidity is crucial as Atletico looks to build momentum in the tournament and regain confidence after recent disappointments.

The match statistics reveal that while Deportivo managed to commit fewer fouls (4) than Atletico (3), their inability to disrupt Atletico's rhythm was telling. The corner kick count favored Atletico as well, with 3 corners compared to Deportivo's 2, further emphasizing their dominance in creating set-piece opportunities.

Looking ahead, Atletico Madrid will need to build on this performance as they navigate through the latter stages of the Copa del Rey. The victory provides a much-needed boost in confidence and serves as a reminder of their potential when firing on all cylinders. For Deportivo La Coruna, this defeat highlights the need for tactical adjustments and greater efficiency in front of goal if they hope to turn their season around.

In summary, Griezmann's decisive goal not only secured progression for Atletico Madrid but also reinforced his role as a talismanic figure during challenging times. The match encapsulated the ongoing narratives of both teams: Atletico's quest for redemption and consistency versus Deportivo's struggle for identity and effectiveness in attack. As the tournament progresses, both teams will reflect on this encounter as a pivotal moment in their respective campaigns.