ATLETICO MADRID crashed out of the Copa del Rey with a humbling 1-0 defeat against third-tier minnows Cornella.
Diego Simeone’s side are currently two points clear at the top of LaLiga but were caught cold by the Barcelona-based club two divisions below them.
Atletico Madrid have been knocked out of the Copa del ReyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Third-division side Cornella claimed a famous win over the LaLiga leadersCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The shock upset means Atletico have incredibly lost to more third-tier sides than top-flight clubs since January 18th, 2020.
Cornella had even lost their last three league games, including against Espanyol and Barcelona’s B teams.
Atletico meanwhile were looking to continue a four-game win streak with Simeone naming a strong side in the round of 32.
Saul Niguez, Joao Felix and on-loan Arsenal star Lucas Torriera were all in the starting eleven.
Yet Cornella ultimately bagged the winner after just seven minutes as Adrian Jimenez converted a near-post cross.
Saul came closest to hauling Atleti level but saw his strike cannon back off the woodwork.
Things got worse for Atletico when defensive stalwart Jose Maria Gimenez was taken off at half time because of an ankle injury.
And when Ricard Sanchez was sent off for the visitors just after an hour they were left searching for an equaliser with ten men.
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The defeat marks the second season in a row Atletico suffered a shock exit to a third division side in the Copa del Rey.
Los Rojiblancos fell 2-1 to third-tier side Cultural Leonesa in extra-time in January 2020.
Simeone’s men will look to bounce back with a return to LaLiga action as they host Bilbao on Saturday.
Lucas Torreira says that it is a privilege to be a part of Atletico Madrid
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
