Atletico edges past Unio Esportiva Vic 2-0 to advance in Copa del Rey

SEVILLE: Atletico Madrid was forced to dig deep to secure a 2-0 victory over sixth-division side Unio Esportiva Vic, needing two late goals from Julian Alvarez to progress to the Copa del Rey’s second round. The match, held on Thursday on a rain-soaked artificial pitch near Barcelona, proved more challenging than expected for Diego Simeone’s men.

Despite the disparity in league positions, Simeone opted to field a strong lineup, including regular starters like Conor Gallagher, Alexander Sorloth, and Rodrigo Riquelme. However, the unfamiliar pitch conditions and a determined display from Vic kept Atletico at bay for most of the game.

It wasn’t until late in the match that Alvarez broke the deadlock, adding a second soon after to secure the win. While LaLiga clubs typically make sweeping rotations against lower-league opponents in early cup rounds, Atletico’s narrow escape was a reminder of the challenges the Copa del Rey can present.