Deportivo La Coruna
- Atlético Madrid are heavy favorites to beat second-tier Deportivo La Coruna in the Copa del Rey on Tuesday, but the home team will be highly motivated to spring a minor upset in front of their home fans at the Riazor.
- The odds suggest a lopsided contest, but Depor will take encouragement from their recent cup form and the fact that Diego Simeone’s side have rotated players in the competition.
- Antonio Hidalgo has done a remarkable job at Depor since taking over in 2025, creating a pro-active, possession-based team that play with width and transition very well.
- The Galicians have enough quality and structure to go and get the ball back if they lose it, while they are particularly effective at the Riazor.
- Hidalgo’s side will not just sit back and try to contain Atleti, but will press the ball and play in a way that should suit them.
- The hosts will not lack self-belief for this single-leg knockout game in front of their fans and, if they can get the crowd behind them early on, could cause the visitors some problems.
Atlético Madrid
- But Atleti have a squad packed with quality all over the field and should have the depth to make changes and get the win.
- Julian Álvarez is their current top-scorer and can make runs from deep, take set pieces and is usually ready to pounce in the final third, as Atlético did against Girona last weekend.
- They also have Alexander Sørloth up front, who brings height and power and has recently scored.
- Then there is the leader of the attacking line, Antoine Griezmann, who scored key goals in December to win games for Atleti and looks ready for the big occasion.
- Simeone’s team are a well-oiled machine that can play with a back five, but can also open up into a 4-3-3 and press with numbers.
- They can do it all and will be a very tough nut for Depor to crack, even with the home advantage.
- Atleti are not in the best form, having gone three, drawn one and lost one in their last five in all competitions.
Head-to-Head
- Atlético Madrid are 1.41 to win Tuesday’s Copa del Rey Round of 16 game against Segunda División side Deportivo La Coruna.
- Deportivo are 8.25 underdogs, with the draw listed at 4.99.
- Atleti’s last five La Liga meetings with Deportivo have produced three wins and one draw, although Depor last won this fixture several years ago.
Deportivo
- Zakaria Eddahchouri is their in-form striker and the LaLiga HYPERMOTION player-of-the-month after his hat-trick.
- Samuele Mulattieri and Mario Soriano provide a creative spark and both contribute goals and assists in Segunda.
- Germán Parreño is a very good goalkeeper and Depor’s back four are well-organised under Hidalgo, who has his side playing an effective 4-2-3-1 formation.
Atlético Madrid
- Julian Álvarez is their current top-scorer and can make runs from deep, take set pieces and is usually ready to pounce in the final third, as Atlético did against Girona last weekend.
- Alexander Sørloth brings height and power up front and has recently scored.
- Antoine Griezmann scored key goals in December to win games for Atleti and looks ready for the big occasion.
Betting Insights
- Atletico are too strong to not see them through in 90 minutes, so the draw no bet market looks the best angle of attack here, although the value is slight with the Rojiblancos 1.41.
- The Over 2.5 goals market looks a good one at 1.7, based on Depor’s recent cup results and the presence of Oblak in the Atleti goal.
- Atleti are not in the best form, having gone three, drawn one and lost one in their last five in all competitions.
Prediction
Weather conditions at the Riazor are likely to be cool and damp, which may suit Atleti’s direct play and the visitors should get enough chances to nick the game 2-0 or 2-1 , which are the most likely correct score bets.
