Diego Simeone singled out Antoine Griezmann for praise as his moment of magic helped Atletico Madrid into the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey.
Simeone watched on as Griezmann's stunning 61st-minute free-kick clinched a 1-0 win over second-tier side Deportivo La Coruna at Estadio Abanca-Riazor.
Indeed, it was Griezmann's 10th direct free-kick goal for Atletico in all competitions. Only Lionel Messi for Barcelona (36) and Dani Parejo for Valencia (12) have scored more for a single LaLiga club since 2014-15.
It was also the Frenchman's 37th goal contribution in the Copa del Rey (28 goals, nine assists). Since Opta began collecting data for the competition in 2013-14, only Messi has been involved in more goals (53).
He also finished the game with team-high totals for chances created (five) and possession won (six), leaving Simeone applauding his display in all departments.
"He scored a great goal," Simeone said. "Griezmann is a difference maker, and he still has that magic of wanting to compete and help the team.
"I didn't take him out, and I took Julian [Alvarez] out [in the second half before the goal] because we understood that he was closer to scoring."
A master at work pic.twitter.com/9G9m65hRs3
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) January 13, 2026
Atletico could have perhaps made the scoreline look more dominant, given they registered 15 shots, though only six were on target.
Matteo Ruggeri and Griezmann both hit the woodwork in the first half, while further chances fell to Marcos Llorente, Giuliano Simeone and Alex Baena.
"I would be more worried if we didn't generate scoring situations, but the team generates them," Simeone said when asked about the number of chances his team missed.
"We need to fine-tune and elevate the impact of important offensive people.
"Obviously, we will have the number of goals we have in recent years because the team generates chances."
Two players who were not involved in the matchday squad were midfielder Conor Gallagher and striker Giacomo Raspadori, with both being linked with moves away.
Gallagher is reportedly close to sealing a return to England, with a permanent deal believed to have been agreed with Tottenham in the region of £35m.
Raspadori, who only joined Atletico in the summer from Napoli, looks set to go back to Serie A, with the Italian edging nearer to a switch to Atalanta.
"The club is working for what we need and to help us alleviate the absences we have," Simeone said.