Griezmann Double & Musso Saves Secure Atlético Madrid's 3-2 Copa Escape at Baleares.

Griezmann Double & Musso Saves Secure Atlético Madrid's 3-2 Copa Escape at Baleares.

Griezmann's Brace and Musso's Heroics: Atlético Madrid Survive Copa del Rey Scare Against Valiant Atlético Baleares.

On a balmy December evening in Palma de Mallorca, the magic of the Copa del Rey nearly produced another seismic upset. Fourth-tier Atlético Baleares, fresh from eliminating Espanyol, pushed LaLiga giants Atlético Madrid to the absolute limit at a sold-out Estadi Balear on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.

Diego Simeone's men eventually prevailed 3-2 in this Round of 32 clash, courtesy of Antoine Griezmann's clinical double and Giacomo Raspadori's header, but only after a late penalty from Mouhamadou Keita and Gerardo Bonet's strike had set nerves jangling. Goalkeeper Juan Musso emerged as the unlikely savior, producing a string of world-class saves—including a penalty stop—to deny the hosts a famous equalizer. This wasn't the routine progression many expected; it was a pulsating reminder that in Spain's oldest cup competition, no tie is ever truly safe. This epic breakdown captures every heart-stopping moment, tactical nuance, heroic performance, and what it means for both clubs in the 2025-26 season.

Estadio Balear

The Build-Up: David vs. Goliath in the Balearic Islands

The Copa del Rey's single-leg format in early rounds is designed for drama, and this fixture embodied it perfectly. Atlético Baleares, competing in Segunda Federación (Group 3)—effectively Spain's fourth tier—had already scripted their own fairy tale by knocking out LaLiga side Espanyol 1-0 in the previous round. Managed by Luis Blanco, the Blanquiazules entered with momentum, having sold out their 6,000-capacity Estadi Balear weeks in advance. Fans turned the ground into a cauldron, dreaming of emulating past shocks like Cornellá's 2021 elimination of Atlético.

Simeone, ever cautious about cup pitfalls, rotated thoughtfully but kept quality: Griezmann captained a side featuring summer signing Thiago Almada, Conor Gallagher, and Raspadori up top. Early injury concerns loomed with absences like Marcos Llorente and José Giménez, but the visitors were heavy favorites. No VAR in this stage added raw intensity—decisions stood, for better or worse.

Kick-off at 19:00 local time under clear skies saw temperatures around 15°C, ideal for Baleares' high-energy press against Atlético's possession game.

First Half: Atlético Strike Early, But Baleares Bite Back

The match exploded into life early. In the 13th minute, Juanmi Durán broke clear for Baleares, forcing Musso into a stunning one-on-one save. Moments later, Clément Lenglet pulled up injured, replaced by Dávid Hancko—disrupting Atlético's rhythm.

Undeterred, the Colchoneros struck first in the 16th minute. Almada's exquisite through-ball found Gallagher bursting forward; the Englishman squared unselfishly for Griezmann to tap home. 0-1. The Frenchman's finish was trademark composure, marking his goal in a fourth different competition this calendar year (LaLiga, Champions League, Club World Cup, Copa).

Baleares barely blinked. Four minutes later, Nahuel Molina whipped a dangerous cross from the right, met powerfully by Raspadori's header into the top corner. 0-2.

The Italian's opportunistic strike seemed to kill the tie.

But cup magic intervened. On 28 minutes, a set-piece scramble saw Musso deny the initial effort, only for Gerardo Bonet to pounce on the rebound and slot home. 1-2. The stadium erupted—Baleares were back, exposing Atlético's vulnerability from dead balls.
Half-time arrived with Simeone's men ahead but rattled. Possession tilted heavily toward Atlético (around 65%), yet Baleares' counters carried venom.
Second Half: Griezmann Restores Calm, Musso Steals the Show

Simeone demanded more control post-interval. Griezmann delivered in the 72nd minute: a swift counter saw him latch onto a through-ball and coolly finish past Juli Rivas. 1-3. His brace took him to new heights—now the first LaLiga player to score in four competitions in 2025.

Baleares refused to surrender. In the 78th minute, they won a penalty—only for Musso to dive brilliantly and parry Jaume Tovar's effort. Heroics.

Drama peaked in stoppage time. Another spot-kick, this time converted by substitute Mouhamadou Keita in the 90th minute. 2-3. The hosts poured forward, forcing Musso into three more spectacular saves in the dying seconds. Full-time: Atlético escaped, but only just.

Baleares 2-3 Atlético (Dec 17, 2025) Final Score.

Key Players: Griezmann Shines, Musso Saves the Day

Antoine Griezmann (Atlético, 9/10): Captain fantastic. Two goals, constant threat, leadership personified. Living his best life in 2025.

Giacomo Raspadori (Atlético, 8/10): Lethal header for 0-2; growing into his role.

Juan Musso (Atlético, 9.5/10): Man of the match. Seven saves, including a penalty—prevented humiliation.

Conor Gallagher (Atlético, 8/10): Assist for the opener, tireless midfield energy.

Gerardo Bonet & Mouhamadou Keita (Baleares, 8/10 each): Goalscorers who embodied fight.

Jaume Tovar (Baleares, 7.5/10): Constant menace, unlucky with penalty.

Defensively, Atlético looked shaky—Nahuel Molina (6/10) improved attacking but erred early.


Griezmann 'proud' after scoring 200th Atletico goal in dominant UCL win.

Tactical Breakdown: Simeone's Rotation vs. Blanco's Bravery

Simeone deployed a 3-5-2/4-4-2 hybrid, emphasizing width through Molina and Javi Galán. Rotation gave minutes to fringe players like Almada and Carlos Martín, but defensive lapses from set-pieces haunted them—a recurring 2025 issue.

Blanco's Baleares pressed high in a 4-4-2, disrupting build-up and exploiting transitions. Their set-piece threat nearly paid dividends multiple times. Post-match, Simeone praised opponents: "They made it difficult; credit to them."
Griezmann: The Eternal Talisman

At 34, Griezmann is enjoying a renaissance. His double here underscored his versatility—now with goals across all fronts. Simeone calls him "irreplaceable"; fans agree.

Baleares' Pride: A Night to Remember

For a club with modest resources, reaching Round of 32 and scaring Atlético is monumental. Eliminating Espanyol already etched history; this performance boosts morale for league survival. Fans chanted long after the whistle—heads held high.
Fan Reactions: Relief and Respect

Social media reflected the rollercoaster. Atlético supporters: "Griezmann and Musso saved us—heart attack football!" Baleares fans: "Proud of the lads; we nearly did it!"

Neutrals hailed cup romance: "This is why we love Copa del Rey."
Broader Context: Atlético's Season and Cup Ambitions

Atlético sit strongly in LaLiga (third, chasing leaders), alive in Champions League. This scrappy win advances them to Round of 16 (draw imminent), but exposes frailties. Simeone: "Important to progress; now focus on Girona."

Last Copa triumph: 2013. Another deep run could silverware.
Looking Ahead: Round of 16 Awaits

Atlético return to league action vs. Girona (Sunday). Baleares resume Segunda Federación battles, enriched financially and inspirationally.

In conclusion, December 17, 2025, at Estadi Balear delivered pure Copa magic—giants wobbled, minnows roared, heroes emerged. Griezmann and Musso prevailed, but Baleares won hearts.