Atlético Baleares smell upset. Atlético de Madrid feel the heat. The Copa del Rey is built for nights like this, a tight ground, a fearless underdog, and a giant with everything to lose. The tie is live right now in Palma, and the energy is sharp enough to cut. One goal could flip the whole story. ⚽
The stage and the stakes
This is a knockout game. Win and you move on. Lose and the cup dream ends tonight. Atlético Madrid arrive as clear favorites. They carry LaLiga rhythm, star power, and a deeper bench. But the Copa has a long memory. Smaller clubs rise when the lights hit, and Atlético Baleares know exactly how to make a big team uncomfortable.
The Estadi Balear squeezes pressure into every touch. You feel it in second balls, in corners, in tackles that echo. Baleares have made their name in this arena by being brave and direct. They press in waves, use the width well, and never turn down a cross. Atlético Madrid will need patience, clean build up, and strong heads.
Likely lineups and rotations
Diego Simeone manages games like this with care. Expect rotation, but not a soft center. Veterans should anchor the spine, with leaders like Koke or Marcos Llorente guiding younger legs. Antoine Griezmann may start on the bench, ready if the game tightens. Álvaro Morata, Ángel Correa, Rodrigo Riquelme, and Pablo Barrios are logical pieces for a mixed XI. A backup keeper could get the nod, which always adds a twist on set pieces.
For Atlético Baleares, the plan is honest and tough. Two disciplined banks without the ball, quick outlets to the wings, and a target up front who can bring others into play. Their wide players will test Madrid’s wingbacks. Their deeper midfielder will shadow the first pass from the back. They want chaos, not a slow dance.
What Simeone wants
Control the middle, limit transitions, and kill the crowd with long spells of smart possession. Early chances would help. A first half goal would ease nerves and force Baleares to chase.
What Baleares need
Fast restarts, aggressive counters, and courage. Free kicks and corners are gold. One clean strike can tilt everything.
How the clash plays out
This game swings on tempo. If Atleti settle the ball and move it side to side, they will stretch the hosts and create clean looks for Morata or Correa. If Baleares win the duels and keep the tempo high, Atleti will have to absorb and strike in transition.
Set pieces loom large. Watch the near-post runs from Baleares on corners and the second ball drops. Atlético Madrid will respond with rehearsed routines of their own, often with a late runner at the edge of the box. The first 20 minutes feel decisive. Survive that storm, and quality usually speaks.
Prediction, Atlético Madrid to advance. Scoreline lean, 0 to 2. Value angle, Madrid to win and under 3.5 goals.
How Baleares can pull the upset
- Score first from a set piece or a quick turnover
- Force the ball wide, then trap and counter
- Target the rotated goalkeeper with traffic on crosses
- Keep the game close into the final 15 minutes
How to watch live
This tie is available on Copa del Rey rights holders in your region, with radio feeds through the clubs and local stations. Check your official broadcaster listings and club apps for the live stream and match audio.
Use official broadcast partners only. They carry real-time coverage, better angles, and live analysis.
