Antoine Griezmann's first-half goal was enough to earn Atletico Madrid a 1-0 win at third-tier Marbella and send them into the Copa del Rey round of 16.
The Frenchman scored after just 16 minutes, tapping in a rebound after Marbella goalkeeper Daniel Martin had blocked Giuliano Simeone's close-range attempt.
Rodrigo De Paul thought he had extended the advantage early in the second half but saw his goal disallowed for a handball in the build-up, while Conor Gallagher's curling effort struck the post just past the hour mark.
Marbella did improve in the second half, albeit without posing too much of a threat, but stopped Atletico from posting a more convincing victory.
The visitors did have chances to close the game out late on, but Angel Correa and Alexander Sorloth both fired shots narrowly wide and into the side netting without testing Martin.
Onto the next round! pic.twitter.com/RzPFYqocaQ
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) January 4, 2025
Data Debrief: Hot streak
This was just the second time the two sides have met in the Copa del Rey, with Atletico winning both matches in the fourth round of the 2010 edition by an aggregate score of 8-0.
It was a little less straightforward on Saturday, but Griezmann's 12th goal of the season in all competitions was enough to see them through.
Atletico have now won each of their last 13 games in all competitions, equalling the best consecutive winning streak in their history (August-October 2012, also under Diego Simeone).
They dominated throughout, having 59.8% possession as they registered 18 shots, though only five were on target, and finished with an expected goals (xG) of 1.29 compared to Marbella's 0.29 from five attempts.