An Alvaro Morata strike and a goal on the counter in added time by Marcos Llorente have given Atletico Madrid a 2-0 win at second-tier Levante in the Copa del Rey’s last-16.
Atletico boss Diego Simeone played a near full-strength team in an effort to avoid another disappointing showing in a difficult season.
His side, who finished last in their Champions League group and are fourth in La Liga having won only one of their last six games, went in at halftime having had no shots on target.
Atletico broke the deadlock on 54 minutes, when Llorente set up an easy chance for fellow Spain international Morata, who was waiting at the far post to tap into the empty net.
Llorente secured Atletico’s spot in the quarter-finals in the 91st minute on a quick counter, receiving a long ball from fullback Nahuel Molina in space and finishing with a precise shot to the goalkeeper’s right.
Earlier on Wednesday, Valencia beat Sporting Gijon 4-0 and Athletic Bilbao beat Espanyol 1-0 to also advance to the last eight.
Osasuna prevailed 4-2 over Real Betis in a penalty shoot-out after their round-of-16 tie finished 2-2 after extra time.
Real Sociedad and Sevilla were already through after winning on Tuesday.
Real Madrid will face Villarreal and Barcelona will travel to Ceuta to round off the last-16 on Thursday (Friday AEDT).
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