In the framework of the Copa del Rey round of 16, Atlético de Madrid, Athletic Club, and Real Sociedad advanced to the next round in a day full of emotions, goals, and tight definitions, which once again confirmed the difficulty and drama characteristic of the Spanish tournament.
In Riazor, Atlético de Madrid defeated Deportivo La Coruña 1-0 and secured their classification after a close and hard-fought match. When it seemed the classification was tilting towards the red-and-white team, Real reacted in the final stretch of the match. At 75 minutes, Beñat Turrientes pulled one back, and in added time, Igor Zubeldia scored the 2-2 at 90+2, taking the match to a penalty shootout. From that point on, the colchoneros controlled the game, maintained defensive order, and neutralized the home team's attempts, who fought until the end but could not find an equalizer.
The most thrilling match of the day was between Cultural Leonesa and Athletic Club, which ended in a 4-3 victory for the Basque team in extra time in an electrifying encounter from start to finish. The team led by Diego Simeone imposed its hierarchy in key moments and managed to break the deadlock in the second half. In the shootout, Real Sociedad won 4-3 and secured their place in the quarter-finals, closing an intense and emotional day in the Copa del Rey.
