Atletico Madrid took a giant stride towards the Copa del Rey quarterfinals as a Raul Garcia penalty and a header from Jose Maria Gimenez earned a 2-0 victory over Real Madrid, who slipped to their second consecutive loss. 

– #360LIVE: Transfer Window – January 8 
– Fernando Torres starts in Copa del Rey derby clash

Real started well and came close in the very first minute when a corner from James Rodriguez was met by Sergio Ramos’ thumping header, but Jan Oblak helped to justify his selection in goal for the hosts with a fine reflex save.

The visitors proceeded to dominate the opening exchanges and thought they had taken the lead when a free-kick from James was
nodded home by Gareth Bale, but the Welshman was flagged offside and Atletico promptly broke downfield to register their first strike on goal as Antoine Griezmann’s low strike was pushed wide by Keylor Navas.

Even though Real were controlling possession, the better chances continued to fall Atletico’s way as Griezmann raced clean through after robbing Raphael Varane, but the French defender atoned for his error by racing back to make a superb challenge on his international teammate.

Then a loose headed clearance by Ramos dropped to Garcia whose strike was well blocked by Ramos, before Real finally threatened again as Sami Khedira headed over the top and Karim Benzema sent a well-struck 25-yard effort straight at Oblak before the break.

Early in the second half Marcelo created a great opportunity for the visitors with a perfect diagonal ball into the stride of Bale, but he could only send a first-time cushioned right-footed volley wide of the far post.

Then came the turning point as Garcia went down in a tangle with Ramos and referee Carlos Clos Gomes pointed to the spot although the Atletico midfielder appeared to be grabbing his opponent’s shirt during their tussle.

Garcia got up to fire the penalty firmly into the right corner, leading to a flurry of substitutions as Fernando Torres was withdrawn following a quiet debut while Carlo Ancelotti introduced Cristiano Ronaldo.

Atletico defended their lead comfortably before doubling it through a familiar route as captain Gabi delivered a corner and young centre back Gimenez rose high to power home an unstoppable header.