Atletico record narrow cup win over minnows
Atletico Madrid were made to work hard on Tuesday night as they travelled away to Barcelona to take on Sant Andreu.
The Catalan minnows were gifted the draw of their history after making it to the Copa del Rey round of 32. They still have a trip to Madrid and the Wanda Metropolitano to come.
As it was, they offered up some fine resistance to last season's Europa League champions. Indeed, fans of the Tercera Division club got a treat as World Cup winner Thomas Lemar lined up for the opposition.
He was not the only attraction as Atleti went with a strong lineup. Nikola Kalinic started up top with Gelson in a strong attacking formation. Juanfran captained the side from an unfamiliar role on the left of defence. Rodrigo and Thomas Partey got the start in central midfield.
It was Gelson who scored the game's only goal, slotting underneath the goalkeeper midway through the first half to give his side a slim advantage for the return leg.
A late flurry of chances almost brought the hosts level, but a goalmouth scrable was averted by the Atleti defence and they held out to take their lead home.