Madrid, 5 January 2025 (PA Media/dpa/MIA) - Antoine Griezmann was Atletico Madrid’s match-winner as third-tier Marbella made the LaLiga high-flyers work for a 13th successive victory in all competitions in the Copa del Rey on Saturday.

Griezmann’s 16th-minute strike secured a 1-0 success for Atleti at La Rosaleda in a repeat of head coach Diego Simeone’s first fixture at the helm 13 years ago as the 10-times winners edged through to the last 16.

The hosts started brightly with Dorian Junior heading wide from Ernest Ohemeng’s ninth-minute cross, but goalkeeper Dani Martin had to save from Julian Alvarez as the visitors warmed to their task.

They forced their way ahead with 16 minutes gone when Martin kept out Giuliano Simeone’s attempt, only for Griezmann to follow up and score from close range.

The France international saw another effort from distance repelled by the keeper, who then saved from Conor Gallagher.

However, Dorian called upon Atletico keeper Juan Musso in stoppage time to serve warning that the tie was far from over.

Alberto Soto fired just wide from 35 yards and Luis Acosta had a header saved as the home side picked up where they had left off at the start of the second half.

But Martin had to deal with Rodrigo De Paul’s long-range strike and he needed the help of an upright to keep out Gallagher’s 63rd-minute attempt.

Simeone and Angel Correa both went close to a second goal as time ran down, and although Marbella forced two late corners, substitute Alexander Sorloth, who had seen two earlier efforts blocked, almost increased the visitors’ lead at the death.

Photo: EPA