Simeone double helps Atletico make semi-finals
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MADRID: Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone’s son Giuliano scored twice in the first half to help them to a resounding 5-0 home win over Getafe in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals on Tuesday.
Simeone opened the scoring after eight minutes with a close-range header from just outside the six-yard box off a Javi Galan cross, before bagging his second with a first-time effort nine minutes later.
Visiting goalkeeper Jiri Letacek denied Samu Lino’s attempt from close range with a great save before the half-hour mark, but the Brazilian managed to make it 3-0 in the 42nd minute after brilliantly cutting inside a defender in the box.
Giuliano thought he had scored a hat-trick after the break, but his 49th-minute goal was ruled out for offside before he left the field to a standing ovation on the hour mark.
“I’m very happy tonight, it’s been crazy. I want to thank the team because we’ve made a huge effort,” the Argentine winger told Teledeporte.
“I’m happy for the goals, I think about the things I have to improve day by day, I still have many flaws and details that I want to improve to keep growing.”
Substitute Angel Correa then scored with a superb low shot from distance in the 78th minute, before setting up Alexander Sorloth, who also came on in the second half, to seal the rout four minutes from time.
Having secured a spot in the semi-finals for the second consecutive season, Atletico will turn their attention to La Liga where they face leaders Real Madrid in Saturday’s derby.
“Today was a very tough game, so we need to rest, prepare well and go for it all on Saturday,” the 22-year-old Simeone added.
Atletico coach said that his side controlled the game from the start which led to a comfortable win.
“The team started very well, playing at such a high speed... we took control early on,” said Diego Simeone, who added that his son had to continue his rich vein of form.
“He’s in a very good moment, the fans recognise it, they will demand a lot more from him and he has to maintain this level,” noted the Atletico coach.
Published in Dawn, February 6th, 2025
