Atletico Madrid set up clash with Real Madrid despite surprise draw against L'Hospitalet

Atletico Madrid will face rivals Real Madrid in the Copa Del Rey round of 16, despite being held to a surprise 2-2 second leg draw by third tier L’Hospitalet.

Diego Simeone’s side were below par on the night, with their place in the next round of the competition all but assured before kick-off due to the 3-0 first leg win, with only Mario Mandzukic performing anywhere near his best.

Atletico took the lead after 19 minutes, when Mandzukic latched on to Mario Suarez’s deflected strike, sending a calm finish past Carlos Craviotto in the opposition goal.

However, L’Hospitalet restored parity after 67 minutes when Ruben Alcaraz’s deflected strike from the edge of the box looped up and over goalkeeper Jan Oblak, who had been handed a rare start by Simeone.

The home side regained the lead soon after, with Mandzukic losing his marker to guide home a header from a Koke cross, but Alcaraz provided the moment of the match when he crashed a 30 yard strike in off the underside of the crossbar and into the net.

19’ GOAL! Atletico Madrid 1 L’Hospitalet: And the home side are off and running in the second leg. Suarez's shot deflects into the path of Mandzukic, who slides the ball past the keeper.

34’ L’HOSPITALET SAVE: That was the closest the away side have come to scoring a goal in this second leg! Carreras played a low ball into the near post looking for Joel, but the striker can't stretch far enough to make contact.

65’ SAUL CHANCE: That was a real chance for Atletico Madrid to add their second! Koke's delivery is good and finds Saul at the back post, but the youngster can't control his shot and drifts wide of the far post.

67’ GOAL! Atletico Madrid 1 L’Hospitalet 1: The away side from the third tier have an equaliser! Alacaraz's strike from the edge of the box is deflected and loops up and over Oblak.

73’ GOAL! Atletico Madrid 2 L’Hospitalet 1: And the home side have regained the lead, with Mandzukic guiding a header past Craviotto in the L'Hospitalet goal.

84’ GOAL! Atletico Madrid 2 L’Hospitalet 2: What an incredible goal! Alcaraz lets rip from about 30 yards out and crashes an effort off the underside of Oblak's bar.

89’ OBLAK STOP: Big save from Oblak to prevent L'Hospitalet from taking the lead! The Atletico keeper dives down to his far post to deny Keita from forcing the ball over his own line from a corner kick.

With Simeone making several changes to his Atletico Madrid side, and Alessio Cerci picking up a late injury, Jimenez was afforded a rare opportunity to impress. And the Mexican striker was desperate to do so, almost to his own detriment. Nothing came easily to Jimenez, as he was outshone by his strike partner Mandzukic.

The young midfielder was undoubtedly L’Hospitalet’s best player on the pitch, capping his impressive performance with an astounding 35 yard strike in off the underside of the crossbar. Alcaraz will certainly remember his display at the Vicente Calderon, and on this basis he’ll be playing against teams like Atleti more regularly before too long.

Atletico Madrid - Oblak 5, Perez 5, Hernandez 5, Gimenez 6, Gamez 6, Rodriguez 6, Niguez 6, Mario 6, Koke 5, Jimenez 5, Mandzukic 7. Subs - Ramos, Keita.

L’Hospitalet - Craviotto 6, Merchan 5, Agustin 5, Rodriguez 6, Peque 5, Alcaraz 9, Barrera 5, Ruben 6, Bueno 5, Canario 5, Mendez 4. Subs - Coch 5, Via.