Real Madrid lost their third consecutive game as they suffered a painful defeat against Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the last-16 round of the Copa del Rey.
Diego Simeone men put a foot in the next round thanks to goals from Raul Garcia and Jose Gimenez. The reigning champions of the tournament controlled possession during the whole match, but Atletico’s defence was extremely solid and Los Blancos were unable to threaten Jan Oblak.
Things could have been very different had the referee conceded a goal Gareth Bale scored before the 15-minute mark. The Welshman converted a free kick from James Rodriguez, but he was flagged offside.
Both sides played with high intensity, although the referee seemed more permissive with the hosts, as they were not shown a single yellow card in the first half despite their constant fouls. On the other hand Real players received three bookings in the first 45 minutes.
After Bale’s disallowed goal, Los Merengues barely threatened Oblak, and Atletico had the best chance before the break as Raul Garcia picked up a loose ball inside the box but his shot was blocked by Marcelo.
Real kept trying in the second half and they were close to taking the lead with a great effort from Bale, who received a cross from Marcelo, but the Welshman placed his strike wide off the post.
In the next play, Atletico were awarded a penalty as Sergio Ramos brought Garcia down. The Spanish midfielder finished expertly to make it 1-0 for the hosts.
Los Blancos efforts became more desperate after the goal, while Simeone men were comfortable defending with 11 men in their half of the field.
They ended up doubling their lead thanks to a Gabi corner that Gimenez headed superbly into the top corner.
It was a cruel result for Real after dominating the whole game. Atletico refused to have the ball, but they didn’t make a single mistake and Los Blancos made two. The Copa del Rey seems now a lost title for Carlo Ancelotti men, as they will need to score at least three goals in the second leg to beat Atletico.
Very Harsh Referee James Clear Penalty Capt Ramos Dropped his Guard silly play ! BBC had no feed from a very defensive and apprehensive Mid Field playing flanks Again exposed to Set play Nothing to be afraid of Real Madrid could score 5 against toothless Atletico stupid Mistake Penalty and Set corner defense Mistake we have everything to play for and can easily turn this around have a good win on Saturday lift the team up !! Fans need to get more Vocal at Home!!