Tue Jan 13 21:50:00 UTC 2026: ### Copa del Rey Round of 16: Upsets, Thrills, and Penalty Drama Across Spain

The Story:
The Copa del Rey Round of 16 delivered a night of high drama across Spain. Atlético Madrid secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Deportivo La Coruña, thanks to a Griezmann free-kick. However, the other matches were filled with suspense. Real Sociedad and Osasuna battled to a 2-2 draw after extra time, with Real Sociedad eventually winning 4-3 on penalties. Meanwhile, Athletic Club narrowly escaped an upset against Cultural Leonesa, winning 4-3 after extra time in a game that saw a red card, disallowed goals, and multiple lead changes.

Key Points:

  • Atlético Madrid defeated Deportivo La Coruña 1-0, with Griezmann scoring the decisive goal.
  • Real Sociedad and Osasuna drew 2-2, with Real Sociedad winning 4-3 in a penalty shootout.
  • Athletic Club edged out Cultural Leonesa 4-3 after extra time in a chaotic match.
  • Unai Gómez played a crucial role for Athletic, winning a penalty and later converting it.
  • Oyarzábal missed a penalty for Real Sociedad in extra time.
  • Cultural Leonesa’s Iván Calero scored twice against Athletic Club.

Key Takeaways:

  • Atlético Madrid continues their Copa del Rey campaign with a victory, albeit against lower-league opposition.
  • Real Sociedad advances after a tense penalty shootout, showcasing their resilience.
  • Athletic Club narrowly avoids a major upset, highlighting the competitiveness of the Copa del Rey.
  • The Cultural Leonesa vs. Athletic Club match was a highlight of the round, demonstrating the potential for lower-league teams to challenge top-flight clubs.
  • Penalty kicks continue to be a decisive factor in cup competitions, often determining the outcome of closely contested matches.

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