Atletico Madrid News
Official: Real Madrid, Atletico learn their opponents for Copa del Rey Round of 16
The draw for the Copa del Rey Round of 16 took place today and Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have learned their opponents for the next phase of the cup competition.
Valencia, Villarreal, Espanyol, Barcelona, Levante, Sporting Gijon, AD Ceuta, Sevilla, Real Sociedad, Mallorca, Alaves, Real Betis, Osasuna, and Athletic Club were left in the tournament along with Real Madrid and Atletico after the Round of 32.
And, Carlo Ancelotti’s men will be facing Villarreal while Diego Simeone & co. are set to come up against Levante as they battle it out for a spot in the quarter-finals of the tournament.
Real Madrid made it to the Round of 16 after eking out a narrow 1-0 win over RFEF Segunda Division side CP Cacereno. The Merengues entered into Copa del Rey only in the previous stage, along with the three other teams who are involved in the Spanish Super Cup.
🆚 ¡Nuestro rival en los octavos será el @VillarrealCF!
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) January 7, 2023
🏟️ Estadio de la Cerámica
🏆 #CopaDelRey pic.twitter.com/XkQ4QGb6G3
The trip to Cacereno was far from ideal but Ancelotti & co. managed to come out on top thanks to Rodrygo Goes’ golazo in the second half.
Meanwhile, their opponents, Villarreal got past FC Cartagena in the previous round of the competition to set up a date against the Merengues.
As for Atletico Madrid, they have been in the Copa del Rey since the first round and have gotten past Almazan, Arenteiro and Real Oviedo in their three matches in the competition thus far. Their Round of 16 opposition, Levante, beat Getafe in the previous round and will look to topple the Colchoneros.
🚨 ¡Ya conocemos nuestro rival en octavos de final de la Copa del Rey!
— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) January 7, 2023
🆚 @LevanteUD
🗓️ 17, 18 ó 19 de enero pic.twitter.com/SkZyZXmf7N
The Round of 16 ties are scheduled to be played on 17, 18, and 19 January 2023. Both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid will be playing away from home.
Sofyan Amrabat is a player in demand, with the midfielder reportedly a top target for various clubs during the January transfer window, as confirmed by his brother.
However, Atletico Madrid are also keeping tabs on the Moroccan international, with the club said to be interested in bringing him to Wanda Metropolitano.
According to Foot Mercato, Amrabat is keen on moving to La Liga, and Atletico Madrid are one of the clubs that he admires. The midfielder had previously praised Atleti boss Diego Simeone, further fueling speculation of a potential move to the Spanish capital.
Atletico Madrid’s interest in Amrabat comes in the midst of uncertainty over the future of Axel Witsel.
The Fiorentina star could be a possible replacement for the Belgian midfielder, whose contract at the club expires at the end of the season, with his father hinting at a possible exit.
However, Atleti would face competition from Barcelona in the pursuit of Amrabat, who appears to be prioritising a move to Camp Nou. The Moroccan international could potentially become an excellent alternative for Barça’s top target, Martin Zubimendi.
However, Fiorentina is unlikely to let the midfielder go cheaply, and Barcelona would have to sort out their economic situation to afford him.
That is where Atletico Madrid might look to get ahead of the Catalans. Although the Spanish giants are also struggling with finances, they may still be able to swoop in and secure the services of the Fiorentina star come the end of the season.
It is too early to deduce anything just yet. A lot will be uncovered as we enter the final phase of the season. Amrabat himself will be keen on making a definitive decision on his future, as he looks to take the next step in his career.
