Copa del Rey: Atlético 2 – 0 Real Betis
Filipe and Diego Costa celebrate 2nd goal(Clubatleticodemadrid.com)
Atlético Madrid have taken a big step towards the semi final of the Copa del Rey by beating Real Betis and keeping another clean sheet.
At Cholo Castle the runners up of La Liga started ferociously and forced two goals early on, which might very well have already settled this two legged tie of the King’s Cup.
Atlético started aggressively and took the lead early on. After Godín had already hit the side netting, it was Radamel Falcao who did head the ball past Casto. The Colombian was at the end of a fantastic move set up by Gabi, Diego Costa and Raúl García to score his first ever goal in the Copa del Rey.
In the 24th minute Atlético doubled their lead. The hard working Diego Costa took on the entire Betis defence and saw his cross blocked, but the loose ball ended up before the feet of Filipe Luís who didn’t hesitate to slot the ball past Casto for the second time on Thursday night.
After going down two goals, it seemed Betis were finally able to shrug off their nerves and offer some resistance. They came incredibly close on four occasions within just five seconds, but Thibaut Courtois emerged victorious from an old fashioned goal mouth scramble.
Atleti missed chances with Raúl García ruled offside and Godín heading into the hands of Casto, but Betis were far from defeated and Rubén Castro missed an easy tap in by just an inch. Right after the break Betis again created a clear cut chance, but again Courtois showed why he’s one of Europe’s finest young goalkeepers.
The Rojiblancos had used a great amount of energy in the first half and were happy to sit back and soak up the pressure in the second. Simeone managed to lock down the game on the defensive end and Atleti held on for the 9th consecutive clean sheet at the Vicente Calderón, meaning Atleti haven’t conceded in over 14 hours of play in home games.
In the final minutes of the game the fresh legs of Koke and Cebolla Rodríguez inspired Atleti to try and force a decision, but despite efforts from Falcao and Mario Suárez no third goal was scored.
Next week Atlético and Betis will meet again for the return leg at the Benito Villamarín.
Line-up: Courtois; Juanfran (“70 Cata Díaz), Miranda, Godín, Filipe; Raúl García, Gabi, Mario, Arda (“83 Cebolla Rodríguez); Diego Costa (“73 Koke) and Falcao.
Goals: 1-0 Falcao (“12); 2-0 Filipe (“24)
-v- 
I am actually fearing for the second leg. Betis is a very good team, respectable and great home support. We need to step up at Villamarin. Sadly missed the game today, anywhere I can find the game or possible extended highlights? :)
Hmm… I have a source but he only really posts full games on youtube days after the game, and mostly international games. Hopefully you can find something!
I fell in love with Courtois playing again. He made some great saves!
Filipe goal meant so much to him!
Great, entertaining game! Variety and fighting spirit. Costa was phenomenal. I also loved the possession game led by Arda, Costa, Filipe Luís, Falcao and Raúl G. Nice, laid back, cool headed one-touch passing triangles which launched many attacks forward. Cebolla should come in earlier in the next games. Falcao wasn’t up to his usual standards, again. Maybe it’s the hype…
Falcao isnt a hyped player at all. He scored a goal and that was most important. Just because he didnt score 5 goals doesnt mean he is hyped
really good game from atletico yesterday… costa and courtois for me are the mvps… also a really fine game from filipe i was shocked when i saw him shoting he usually pass the ball even on those situations…. nothing has finished of course we can rotate a little the team at the away leg but we have to be serius… i really believe that cebolla should got in the game earlier… any one knows about juanfran?
I would make a trade to Chelse at the end of the season, we give them Falcao, and get Courtois and Torres plus a bit of cash.
Javi – I agree but only cuz Falcao’s exit is certain.
Other than that- I have to say that Diego Costa is getting better and better every time he plays. Never really liked him but guess I was wrong..
Vamos Atleti! Grande Cholo! Grande Filipe!!!
I love the Falcao for Courtois trade, hate the Torres part. Get cash as well to spend on a younger, better player. Torres is washed up guys. Love him or not, the facts are inevitable. much rather have Forlán back than Torres.
well i agree with you guys i belive 30-35 millions plus torres and courtois for falcao would be great… i am a really supporter of torres and i believe that he will be able to find himself at the calderon well i really agree costa is getting better and better and as for alex i think that we can have forlan back with not much money… also i think we should sell adrian for those 17 millions…
@superatleti3athens
I Think that selling Adrian if possible for ca. 17-18 M should be as certain as amen in curch. Offcause we then would have to buy mabye Antonie Grizemann, Leo Baptistão (or have we allready bought him?) or Alejandro Gomez who all have shown at least some sort of form this season, actually they all have been doing quit well.
On the swopping case my ideal outcome would be: we sell Falcao to Chelsea, gets Courtois and 40-50m use the money on (Cavani)
Not Cavani as that would be highly unlikely but Jackson Martinez*
Burak Yilmaz.. Amazing player
Andres: Yeah, I’ve seen every atleti game this season, too. Like every other season. I know who Falcao is and what he is about, but seriously, if you follow the football media and read the daily news, the hype around Falcao is immense.
He just won the player of the year award and there are speculations about his next destination every day in the media. People comparing him to Messi and Ronaldo.
I’m just saying he is under a hell of a lot of pressure and it sometimes shows. Like he’s supposed to make that piledriver to the top corner from outside the box everytime.
His touch wasn’t flawless especially in front of goal, thus he wasn’t up to his usual standards.
ela re super 3..areianara kai Atlético mazi?kai athens?