Girona eliminates Atletico Madrid in Copa del Rey

Yesterday, at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium, hosts Atletico Madrid were held to a 3-3 draw by visiting Girona in the Copa del Rey. The first leg of their tie ended 1-1 so with the second draw the visitors moved on via the away goals rule and eliminated the Colchoneros.

The match was a testament to the never-say-die attitude of the team who were playing second division just two years ago. Atletico Madrid opened the scoring at the 12^th minute via Kalinic only to have Valery Fernandez tie at the 37^th. Cristhian Stuani then pulled Girona ahead at the 59^th only to have Angel Correa draw even at the 66^th. When Antoine Griezmann pulled the hosts ahead at the 84^th, the match seemed settled, until Aleix Garcia’s 88^th minute goal evened the score and ensured the visitors would move on.

The middle of the week match drew 45,000 fans to the Wanda Metropolitano and they were treated to a tough, well-played, and goal-soaked match. Girona is making history in both La Liga and Copa del Rey as in their second year in the top division they are playing the big boys even.

By day’s end, Real Madrid, Getafe, Sevilla, and Valencia had joined Girona into the quarter finals. Today, the finals three slots will be determined in play between Real Betis and Real Sociedad, Levante and Barcelona, and Villarreal and Espanyol.