Deportivo La Coruña vs Atlético Madrid prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups - 13 January 2026
One of the Spanish Cup round of 16 clashes for the 2025/26 season will take place on Tuesday at the Riazor Stadium in La Coruña, where Deportivo will host Atlético Madrid. Let's take a look at the best bets for this matchup, factoring in both teams' current form and the unique nature of cup competitions.
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Match preview
Deportivo are blazing a trail in the Copa del Rey with remarkable spirit, despite their struggles in the Segunda. Their victory over Mallorca in the previous round was a true sensation, underlining the squad’s fighting mentality - especially in contrast to their league woes. Expect a sell-out crowd at Riazor, with the electric atmosphere sure to push the hosts to their limits. With a top-tier opponent visiting for the first time in ages, motivation will be sky-high.
However, their squad situation leaves much to be desired: captain Villáres is a doubt, and both fullbacks are sidelined. Loureiro has returned, but the back line remains vulnerable, notably in the dying minutes of matches - where Deportivo frequently squander their advantage. And those late-game moments, along with intelligent pressing, are exactly where Atlético thrive. Without stabilizing their second-half performances, Deportivo’s hopes of an upset look slim.
Atlético head to La Coruña after a tough Spanish Super Cup exit, where they gave Real Madrid a real fight but ultimately fell short. The “Colchoneros” have already played two intense matches in the last fortnight, forcing Diego Simeone to rotate his squad. Against a Segunda side - ambitious though they may be - Atlético don’t need to go full throttle, but their depth should see them through. This team is built for knockout football and thrives on the big stage.
Squad depth and the condition of key players remain question marks. With Lenglet and Nico González out, the defense will have a new look, while Barrios is still regaining fitness. Even so, the likes of Almada, Griezmann, Raspadori, and Koke remain available—players capable of turning a match on its head in an instant. Even with a semi-rotated lineup, Atlético will be dangerous, especially on the counter and at set pieces - areas where Deportivo have repeatedly faltered.
Probable lineups
- Deportivo La Coruña: Fernández, Quagliata, Loureira, Noubi, Escudero, Mella, Soriano Carreño, Patino, Cruz, Hernández, Stoichkov
- Atlético Madrid: Musso, Molina, Giménez, Ruggeri, Gantzko, Simeone, Koke, Cardoso, Almada, Griezmann, Raspadori
Match facts and head-to-head
- Atlético have scored in five of their last six matches, but have also conceded during that stretch.
- The over 2.5 goals bet has come through in five of Atlético’s last six games.
- Deportivo haven’t reached the Copa del Rey quarterfinals since 2011.
Prediction
Deportivo will be highly motivated and play with heart in front of a packed house. However, defensive issues, squad absences, and a tendency to unravel after the break make them vulnerable. Atlético are likely to rotate, but it’s hard to imagine them slipping up for a third straight match. Given the gulf in quality and experience, the “Colchoneros” should advance to the next round.
