Atlético avert cup upset

By Andy Hall

Club Atlético de Madrid made it to the last 16 of the Spanish Cup on Thursday night but had to wait until the 105th minute to register a winner at Segunda División team Gimnàstic de Tarragona.

Extra-time clincher
The first 90 minutes were goalless and it seemed the match was heading for penalties until Atlético captain García Calvo broke the deadlock with a powerful half-volley just before the end of the first additional period. Gimnàstic could find no way back and their coach Luis César Sampedro was sent from the dug-out before the final whistle.

Eight top-flight survivors
Atlético, who are seeking their tenth cup victory, are in the hat for when the competition resumes on 12 January, one of only eight top-flight clubs in the third round along with Real Madrid CF, Athletic Club Bilbao, Sevilla FC, CA Osasuna, Getafe CF, CD Numancia and Real Betis Balompie.