The first leg of the Copa del Rey last-32 clash between Sant Andreu and Atletico Madrid took place Barcelona on Saturday afternoon.
Atletico were ahead after 13 minutes when Raul Garcia converted from close range, before Arda Turan made it 2-0 after 21 minutes.
Turan completed his brace in the second period, before David Villa made it 4-0 with a close-range finish late on.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! Our Copa del Rey coverage begins in Barcelona as Segunda B side Sant Andreu welcome Atletico Madrid in the last-32 stage. The home side secured their spot in this round of the competition following wins over Pena Deportiva and Olot. Atletico, meanwhile, enter Spain’s biggest cup competition at this particular stage.
As mentioned, Andreu have struggled in recent weeks with just one win from their last six games in the league. They enter the match off the back of a 1-0 defeat to Atletico Baleares last weekend, with that loss leaving them in 11th spot in the table on 20 points. The Copa del Rey will provide them with some respite from their troubles in the league.
Based in Catalonia, Andreu were founded in 1925 and play their home matches at the Narcis Sala in Barcelona. They have never played in the top level of Spanish football, but have had 11 seasons in the Segunda Division. Their league placing has been fairly steady in the last few seasons with two seventh-place finishes and 10th in the 2011-12 campaign.
Success has been at a premium, however, with just one Segunda Division B title in 1991-92. They have won the Tercera Division five times, with the latest coming in 1990. In truth, it would take a minor miracle for the home side to upset Atletico Madrid, especially over two legs. However, with a full stadium this afternoon, anything could happen in Barcelona.
TEAMS:
SANT ANDREU: Morales; Arnau, Ruben, Melo, Carroza; Ibon, Araujo, Mourino, Ferron; Guzman, Josu
ATLETICO MADRID: Aranzubia; Manquillo, Godin, Alderweireld, Luis; Tiago, Garcia, Koke; Turan, Adrian, Oliver
So there we have it. No real surprises in the Andreu XI this afternoon with the likes of Quim Araujo, Ibon Gutierrez and Ruben Canelada starting in an all-Spanish side. Atletico, however, make a number of changes with Aranzubia, Javi Manquillo, Oliver Torres and Raul Garcia all coming in for the capital outfit.
Atletico are enjoying a quite stunning start to the campaign. They have won 13 of their league matches this season, drawing once and losing once. They had the best defensive record in La Liga last season and indeed have the best record at this stage of the season with just nine conceded. Down the other end, they have found the back of the net on 40 occasions.
Their star of the season has been Diego Costa, with the Brazilian-born striker scoring 15 times in La Liga. It had been questioned whether they could cope with the sale of a certain Radamel Falcao in the summer, but it could be argued that they are now a better team without the Colombian. As expected, Diego Simeone has rotated his squad for this match.
As mentioned, Atletico are the current holders of the competition after overcoming Real Madrid in the final last season. Cristiano Ronaldo handed Real Madrid the lead after 14 minutes, before Costa levelled the scores before the interval. The winner came in extra-time as Miranda found the back of the net after 99 minutes.
PREDICTION: Like the FA Cup in England, the Copa del Rey always produces surprises each season. However, I am finding it extremely difficult to make a case for the home side this afternoon. Especially when taking into account the strength of the Atletico XI on display. My score prediction is 4-0 Atletico on this mild afternoon in Barcelona.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Let's hope for an exciting cup tie this afternoon in Barcelona. Strong atmosphere inside the stadium as Atletico get the action underway.
It isn't quite the Camp Nou in terms of size or stature, but the home supporters are making their voices heard in the early stages as the Andreu flag is passed around the stadium. It must be said that the pitch is in fine condition for this stage of the season. Early chance for Atletico as Adrian finds Garcia inside the box, but he hooks his effort over under pressure from Melo.
Not too much for the home supporters to get excited about in the opening four minutes of football as Atletico take control of the possession. Plenty happening in the middle of the park, however, as the challenges arrive from both sides. You just get the feeling that the home side need to stay in this match in the opening 20 minutes or so.
Just a reminder that nothing will be decided this afternoon with the second leg to come in Madrid later in the month. Atletico continue to make most of the early running with Koke and Oliver Torres seeing plenty of the ball, but they have been unable to find that elusive pass thus far, with Andreu compact in defence.
Proper cup atmosphere inside the stadium at the moment as the home supporters continue to raise their voices. In truth, not too much is happening on the pitch, however, with both sides guilty of some poor passing in the middle of the park. The game's only half-chance remains the early strike from Garcia, which deflected over the Andreu crossbar.
Good possession from Atletico as they continue to pass and probe outside the home side's box, but the likes of Melo and Arnau have been solid in defence thus far. Araujo breaks down the other end moments later, but Godin is across to usher the ball for a goal kick. Still no real chances for either with 11 minutes on the clock.
GOAL! Sant Andreu 0-1 Atletico Madrid (Garcia)
Atletico take the lead with 13 minutes on the clock as Garcia converts a Luis cross at the far post. It was bright work from the Brazilian full-back, who whipped a sensational ball into the home side's penalty box. The deadlock is broken in Barcelona.
It would be harsh to say that the goal had been coming, but Atletico have been the better side in the opening 16 minutes of this Copa del Rey clash. Moments later, Koke picks up a booking for a late challenge on Ibon, but Mourino's header is over the crossbar. Better from Andreu.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges from both sides. In fairness to Andreu, they have managed a period of possession since falling behind, but are really struggling to force the issue in the final third.
Half-chance for the away side once more as Turan strikes one from outside the box, but Morales is on hand to collect. Atletico work the ball from right to left moments later, before Luis is chopped down by Ibon. The resulting set piece is taken by Koke, but Morales clears with a powerful punch.
GOAL! Sant Andreu 0-2 Atletico Madrid (Turan)
Atletico score their second of the match after 21 minutes as Turan turns in a low cross from Manquillo. Torres was also involved in some slick build-up for the away side. It is just too easy for the capital outfit at the moment as they continue to dominate the possession.
It's better from the home side as the right-back Ruben finds some space down the left before delivering a dangerous cross into the box, but Aranzubia is on hand to collect under pressure from Francis. The home supporters are doing their best to raise their side, but Atletico are in complete control of proceedings in Barcelona.
CHANCE! Another opportunity for Atletico as Turan finds some space inside the box before attempting to slot one into the bottom corner, but Melo is across to make a fine block at the vital moment. Still 2-0 Atletico with 26 minutes on the clock in Barcelona.
CHANCE! Another quick counter from Atletico brings another opportunity as Turan finds Adrian inside the box, but his effort flashes into the side netting. Andreu break down the other end with Francis moments later, but his cross is straight into the arms of Aranzubia, who has had little to do.
Atletico continue to force the issue as Turan collects possession outside the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Ibon combines with Francis down the other end moments later, but the attack comes to nothing, before Oliver wins a free kick in his own half. Little under 15 minutes of the first period remaining.
Good pressure from the home side in the last couple of moments as they twice force dangerous crosses into the Atletico box, but Alderweireld and Godin take it in turns to clear the danger. Chapi finds Francis inside the area moments later, but Manquillo is across on the cover to clear.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments as Atletico continue to dominate possession in the Andreu half. Koke takes matters into his own hands moments later with an effort from distance, but it was always rising high and wide. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining.
Plenty to be admired about the way that the home side are passing the ball this afternoon, but they are struggling to open this Atletico defence. Better teams than them, however, including Real Madrid, have struggled this season. It is almost like a pre-season match for Atletico as they continue to breeze around the field.
The initial excitement from the home supporters has since dropped as their side struggle to get hold of the ball in midfield. Another half-chance arrives for Atletico as Torres turns on the edge of the box before feeding Adrian, but Melo is across to clear. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining.
Torres has been a real bright spark for Atletico in the first period as he picks up possession before dancing into the Andreu box, but Melo just manages to clear at the vital moment. The pressure continues outside the box, but Andreu manage some respite as Mourino is felled by Manquillo outside the box. One goal for the home side would change the atmosphere inside the stadium.
I should not think that there will be too much time added at the end of the first period with the referee not really called into action at any point. Just the one yellow card thus far with Koke on the receiving end. Mourino breaks for the home side moments later, but the Spaniard is chopped down by Luis.
HALF TIME: Sant Andreu 0-2 Atletico Madrid
So there we have it. Just about as comfortable as you could ever imagine for Atletico as Diego Simeone's side lead 2-0 at the interval. The opener came from Garcia after 13 minutes, before Turan made it 2-0 with a powerful finish eight minutes later. Andreu have had their moments, but have struggled to create a chance of note in Barcelona.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking personal on their bench including Jimenez, Alcaraz and Vitoria. Meanwhile, Atletico have the likes of Diego Costa and David Villa in reserve. Not bad subs to have for this match!
In truth, it will take a minor miracle for the home side to turn this one around. They have not had a chance of note, although Francis has looked the most likely to make something happen. It had been thought that Simeone would name a team of youngsters, but their XI is full of talent and first-team experience.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that nothing will be decided this afternoon with the second leg to come later in the month. However, the tie could be as good as over come the end of the 90 minutes. Andreu get the action underway on this mild afternoon in Barcelona. Can they respond?
One change for the home side at the interval with Xavi Jimenez replacing Josu Rodriguez. No changes from Atletico, which is not much of a surprise. You just get the feeling that one more goal for Atletico would end any hopes of a comeback, not just in this match, but in the tie as a whole. The home supporters remain in good voice in the early stages of the second period.
Untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments as Manquillo is felled by Melo down the right. The resulting free kick is delivered into the area by Koke, but Ruben is on hand to clear. Oliver lifts the ball back into the box, but the linesman raises his flag, allowing Andreu some respite for the time being.
Manquillo continues to impress for the away side as he drives down the right before delivering a low cross towards Adrian, but Morales is out to collect at the vital moment. The home side have a free kick down the other end minutes later as Ibon is felled, but Mourino's delivery is headed clear by Godin, who has had another very impressive afternoon.
More of an even contest in the second period as the home side enjoy a period of possession inside the Atletico half, but it comes to nothing when Ton attempts to force the issue. It would not be a surprise if Simeone looked to freshen his attack in the next five minutes or so. Little over 35 minutes of this first leg remaining in Barcelona.
In truth, not too much has happened in the second period, with Atletico struggling to find their tempo in the middle of the park. Andreu must be credited for their attitude, but are also struggling to create chances in the final third. We are in need of a spark with 57 minutes on the clock in this Copa del Rey clash.
GOAL! Sant Andreu 0-3 Atletico Madrid (Turan)
Atletico have their third of the match just before the hour mark as Garcia finds Turan, who turns inside the box before sliding a low effort into the bottom corner. That is surely game, set and match in terms of this tie.
You have to fear for Atletico in the final 30 minutes or so. They are attempting to attack the away side, but it is leaving all sorts of room in the final third. A half-chance arrives moments later as Francis produces a bicycle kick inside the box, but Aranzubia makes the save. Much better from Andreu as Francis is once more denied.
The home side make their second change of the match as Araujo is replaced by Ander Vitoria for the final 30 minutes of action in Barcelona. If Atletico raise the tempo, they could score five or six here. However, the home side are passing it much better than they did in the first period.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with both guilty of losing possession in the final third. The home side attempt to force the issue moments later as Ander slides one towards Francis, but Godin is across to clear. Still 3-0 Atletico with 64 minutes on the clock.
Atletico make their first change of the match as David Villa replaces Torres, who has faded in the second period after a bright opening 45 minutes. The youngster will be some player there is no question about that. Not the best news for Andreu with Spain's record-goalscorer entering proceedings. Andreu also make a change as Toni replaces Ivan Guzman.
Andreu continue to look long as Francis battles with Godin inside the Atletico box, but Aranzubia is on hand to collect. Atletico enjoy possession moments later, but their latest attack comes to an end when Melo challenges Villa. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining in Barcelona.
The news does not get much better for the home side as Costa prepares to enter the field of play. Just a reminder that the second leg of this contest will be played in Madrid later this month, but it will mean little with the tie surely already decided. That is the criticism of two-legged ties at this stage of the Copa del Rey.
Indeed the change is made as Costa replaces Garcia, who opened the scoring this afternoon. So Andreu now have to deal with arguably the best striking partnership in Spain, both of whom are fresh after starting on the bench. Little over 15 minutes remaining on this mild early evening in Barcelona. Can Andreu score one for their supporters?
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Costa to open his tally for the match as Manquillo drives a wonderful cross into the box, but somehow the striker fires wide of the post from close range. However, there is still time for Costa to make his mark. I would be surprised if we had seen the last of the goals.
Possession football from Atletico at the moment as they continue to keep control inside the Andreu half. A half-chance arrives as Adrian attempts to find the run of Villa, but Morales is out to claim at the vital moment. In fairness to the Spanish goalkeeper, he has done nothing wrong this afternoon. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining in this fourth-round tie.
Another half-chance for Atletico as Luis finds Costa inside the box, but Melo is across to clear at the vital moment. The away side make their third and final change in the next stoppage as two-goal Turan is replaced by Joshua Guilavogui for the final 10 minutes or so.
End-to-end football in the last couple of moments with both sides opening up in attack. However, efforts from Francis and Koke fail to bring saves from either goalkeeper. Luis delivers a deep cross into the Sant Andreu box moments later, but Costa cannot make contact. It remains 3-0 to the away side.
GOAL! Sant Andreu 0-4 Atletico Madrid (Villa)
Atletico have their fourth of the match in the latter stages as Villa drives into the box before turning home from close range. The score is harsh on the home side, but this tie is now over.
The home supporters continue to create a wonderful noise inside the stadium, but Atletico are in complete control of proceedings. Andreu want a penalty moments later as Francis tumbles inside the box, but the referee is not interested. Little over two minutes of normal time remaining.
Positive football from the home side as they continue to deliver balls into the Atletico box, but it is easy pickings for Godin and Alderweireld. Costa has a half-chance moments later, but his effort is wide of the post. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes.
FULL TIME: Sant Andreu 0-4 Atletico Madrid
So there we have it. Atletico score four times as they beat Sant Andreu on their own patch. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us again from 6.30pm as Celta Vigo welcome Athletic Bilbao. Until then!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
