Atlético Madrid secured a dominant 5-0 victory over Getafe to become the first team to reach the Copa del Rey semi-finals. Giuliano Simeone, son of manager Diego Simeone, scored twice in the first half, with Samuel Lino adding a third before the break.
Atlético Madrid became the first team to secure a spot in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey after delivering a dominant 5-0 victory over Getafe on Tuesday, marking an emphatic statement of intent in their pursuit of a long-awaited title.
The match, played at the Metropolitano Stadium, saw Diego Simeone’s side put on a clinical display, dismantling their city neighbors in a one-sided Madrid derby that was effectively decided in the first half.
From the opening whistle, Atlético imposed their authority on the game, pressing high and moving the ball with precision. Their early dominance paid off in the 8th minute when Giuliano Simeone, the son of the team’s legendary manager, opened the scoring with a well-taken goal. The young forward, determined to make a name for himself beyond his famous surname, showcased his sharp finishing ability by slotting the ball past Getafe's goalkeeper after a well-worked attacking move.
Just nine minutes later, Giuliano was at it again, doubling Atlético’s lead in the 17th minute with another composed finish. His brace not only put the home side firmly in control but also highlighted the growing influence of the Simeone family at the club, with Diego Simeone proudly watching his son make a significant impact on the pitch.
As Getafe struggled to find any rhythm, Atlético continued to push forward, and their relentless attacking play resulted in a third goal just before halftime. In the 42nd minute, Brazilian winger Samuel Lino added his name to the scoresheet, finishing off a fluid counterattack with a powerful strike that left the goalkeeper with no chance. Lino, who previously played for Gil Vicente in Portugal before joining Atlético, has been an important player for Simeone’s squad this season, offering pace and creativity on the wings. His goal effectively ended the contest before the halftime whistle, leaving Getafe with a near-impossible task in the second half.
Despite the comfortable lead, Atlético showed no signs of slowing down after the break. Simeone made a few tactical adjustments, introducing fresh legs while maintaining his team’s high intensity. The second half saw Getafe attempt to mount a response, but their efforts were repeatedly thwarted by Atlético’s well-organized defense. Portuguese center-back Domingos Duarte, who started for Getafe, struggled to contain the relentless attacking waves from the hosts.
As the game progressed, Atlético added to their tally with two more goals in the final stages. In the 78th minute, Argentine forward Ángel Correa, who had started the game on the bench, made an immediate impact after being brought on. The experienced attacker found space inside the box and calmly slotted the ball into the net, further extending Atlético’s lead and rubbing salt into Getafe’s wounds.
The final goal of the night came in the 86th minute, courtesy of Norwegian striker Alexander Sørloth, another substitute who made the most of his opportunity. The towering forward, known for his aerial prowess and physical presence, capitalized on a defensive lapse to fire home a close-range finish, sealing a five-goal thrashing in front of the ecstatic home crowd.
The resounding victory sends Atlético into the Copa del Rey semi-finals for the second consecutive season, reinforcing their ambitions of lifting a trophy they have not won since the 2012/13 campaign. Back then, Atlético famously defeated city rivals Real Madrid in the final at the Santiago Bernabéu, marking the beginning of a new era under Diego Simeone. However, despite their success in LaLiga and European competitions over the past decade, the Copa del Rey has eluded them since that triumph.
This season, Atlético Madrid is determined to break that drought, and their dominant performance against Getafe suggests they are serious contenders for the title. However, their focus must quickly shift to an even bigger challenge on the horizon a crucial LaLiga showdown against Real Madrid on Saturday. With Los Blancos currently leading the league, the Madrid derby could have major implications for the title race, making it a must-win encounter for Atlético.
Meanwhile, the Copa del Rey quarter-finals continue on Wednesday, with Leganés hosting Real Madrid in what promises to be a compelling matchup. On Thursday, the remaining fixtures will take place, with Real Sociedad facing Osasuna and Valencia taking on Barcelona, setting up an intense battle for the final semi-final spots.
For now, Atlético Madrid can celebrate their impressive victory, but with decisive matches ahead in both domestic and European competitions, their journey is far from over. With their attacking firepower clicking at the right time and their squad depth proving valuable, Simeone’s men will be hoping this is the season they finally reclaim the Copa del Rey title.
