Goals: Atletico Madrid—Garcia 58’ - Gimenez 76’
Sergio Ramos pulls down Raul Garcia in the area! The Atleti man steps up and converts the goal! #beINCopaDelRey https://t.co/IyTCeSDQ3f
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTSUSA) January 7, 2015
Recap: Ninety minutes of inspired football saw Atletico Madrid capture a 2-0 victory over Real Madrid on Wednesday.
A first half engulfed with intensity failed to produce the creative chances to match. Outside of a Sergio Ramos header in the opening seconds, neither goalkeeper was forced to rise to the occasion. Both clubs entered the half scoreless. The action sparked following the break. A foul from Sergio Ramos on Raul Garcia forced the official to point to the spot. Garcia was clinical with his finish.
A corner-kick header from Gimenez sealed the 2-0 victory.
Bale heads the ball perfectly into the Atletico Madrid net but the ref calls offside! #beINCopaDelRey https://t.co/nKvBAjjPTH — beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTSUSA) January 7, 2015
Key Moment: Madrid had its 1-0 lead. Unfortunately for the club, Gareth Bale was whistled offside.
Man of the Match: Garcia did more than open the affair. The 28-year-old proved to be effective on both sides of the ball, finishing with four tackles.
Varane makes up for a big mistake with an excellent tackle inside the area. #beINCopaDelRey https://t.co/AzbbXoc81W — beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTSUSA) January 7, 2015
Lesson Learned: No defining lessons will be learned until the return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu, but one thing is certain: Raphael Varane belongs in Madrid, not the Premier League. The 21-year-old, desperate for playing time, has reportedly voiced his displeasure and is seeking a move to Manchester United (via the Telegraph). The center-back should consider asking Angel Di Maria what the ramifications of asking out of Madrid are. With Pepe 10 years his senior, playing time is on the horizon for Varane. Exercising a little patience will be key if he hopes to etch his name in the pantheons of the world’s biggest club.
Up Next: Real Madrid host Espanyol on Jan. 10, while Atletico Madrid visit Barcelona on Jan. 11.
Note: Credit all statistics to officially licensed data from Opta Sports (via WhoScored).
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