Our prediction for this Copa del Rey match:
Arenteiro and Atletico Madrid go head to head in a David-vs-Goliath clash at Estadio de Espinedo. Los Rojiblancos have slim chances of winning the La Liga title, and, no doubt, they will go all guns blazing at Arenteiro in Thursday’s Spanish Cup clash. This game comes too early for the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Angel Correa, Rodrigo De Paul, and Nahuel Molina, who took part in the World Cup final. Experienced midfielder Koke misses out with injury.
The hosts, on the other hand, are leading the Segunda B Group 1 standings, two points clear of second-place Guijuelo. Arenteiro are fully focused on the upcoming league fixtures, which is yet another reason why we are going to bet on Diego Simeone’s troops this time out. It has to be noted that the two clubs meet for the first time in Copa del Rey.
Highlighted Player (Koke):
Jorge Resurreccion Merodio “Koke” has enjoyed a meteoric rise after coming through the youth ranks at Atletico Madrid, quickly becoming an important player for both club and country. Possessing impressive technical skills and very mature for his age, the highly rated midfielder is capable of covering just about any position in the middle of the park and he has been used as a central midfielder, left winger and right winger by both Diego Simeone and Vicente Del Bosque.
Koke has been a key member of one of the best generations in the history of Atletico Madrid, winning the 2013/2014 La Liga trophy and reaching the Champions League final the same year. Widely regarded as one of Europe’s best midfielders, it is only a matter of time before Koke will join an absolute top club and he is believed to be a primary target for La Liga rivals Barcelona.
While playing alongside Xavi Hernandez at the 2014 World Cup, Koke is believed to be a worthy successor of the former Catalans star in the national team now that he has retired, and with 20 Spain caps to his name, his international career is just starting.
Highlighted Team (Atletico Madrid):
Atletico Madrid are a Spanish team that plays in Primera Division (La Liga). Los Rojiblancos or los Colchoneros play their home matches at Estadio Vicente Calderon, which holds up to 54,960 spectators. Atletico Madrid have won 10 La Liga titles, but they have yet to lift the European Cup (Champions League) trophy.
Los Rojiblancos have won 10 Copa del Rey (Spanish Cup) trophies and it has to be noted that they defeated their bitter local rivals Real Madrid in the 2012/2013 Spanish Cup final. The rivalry between the two capital clubs is pretty big and El Madrileno is regarded as one of the most exciting derbies in the world football.
Atletico Madrid played two Champions League finals under Diego Simeone, but they failed to beat Real Madrid in the title games (2013/2014 and 2015/2016). However, the Argentine tactician helped Atletico Madrid win the La Liga trophy in 2014 and, no doubt, he is one of the most successful coaches in the history of the capital club.