Verdict: Total away goals over 2.5
Best odds: 8/5
Bookmaker: Luckster
Riazor will host a classic cup clash on Tuesday night as Segunda División side Deportivo La Coruna welcome LaLiga giants Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey round of 16.
The hosts dream of a major upset, while Diego Simeone’s men aim to steady the ship after a shaky start to 2026.
Deportivo La Coruna
Two-time Copa del Rey winners Deportivo La Coruna have endured a turbulent period in recent decades, slipping from their golden era into multiple relegations. Now back in Spain’s second tier, the Galician outfit are fighting to restore past glory.
Under Antonio Hidalgo, who took charge in summer 2025, Depor have shown promise. They currently sit fifth in LaLiga 2 with 34 points from 21 matches—nine wins, seven draws, and five defeats—just four points off top spot and firmly in the promotion mix.
However, recent form has been inconsistent, with only one win in their last six outings across all competitions. Still, their Copa del Rey journey has been impressive: victories over Samano, Sabadell, and top-flight Mallorca have brought them to the last 16, proving they can rise to the occasion.
Team News
Following the winter break, Deportivo entered 2026 with few injury concerns. However, Diego Villares could miss out after limping off late in their most recent game, while veteran defender Sergio Escudero remains sidelined with a muscle injury dating back to October.
Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid arrive in Galicia seeking redemption after a painful 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the Supercopa de España semi-final—a result that ended hopes of lifting that trophy. With one piece of silverware gone, Simeone’s side will be determined to keep their Copa del Rey campaign alive.
Los Colchoneros booked their place in this round with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Atletico Baleares before Christmas. In LaLiga, however, they have endured a challenging season. After 19 games, Atletico sit fourth with 38 points—11 wins, five draws, and three defeats—leaving them 11 points adrift of leaders Barcelona.
With the league title seemingly out of reach, the Copa del Rey represents a golden opportunity for redemption. Simeone will target an 11th triumph in this competition to salvage a season that has fallen short of expectations.
Team News
Atletico remain without Clement Lenglet and Nicolas Gonzalez due to knee and hamstring injuries, while Pablo Barrios is unlikely to recover in time. Rotation is expected, with fringe players set to feature as Simeone balances his squad for the demanding schedule.
Head-to-Head
Atletico Madrid have dominated this fixture in recent years, winning eight of the last 10 meetings. Deportivo’s last victory over Los Rojiblancos came in 2016, and their most recent encounter—a 3-0 Atletico win in 2018—underscores the gulf between the sides.
Historically, Depor have struggled against Atletico, but cup competitions often produce surprises, and the hosts will hope home advantage can tilt the balance.
Conclusion
Despite Atletico’s struggles this season, their quality and depth should prove decisive against a Deportivo side lacking consistency.
Expect Simeone’s men to assert control and book their place in the quarter-finals, though the hosts may offer stubborn resistance before bowing out.
Verdict: Total away goals over 2.5
Best odds: 8/5
Bookmaker: Luckster
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