Ilias Kostis of Atletico de Madrid with the ball during the match between Kitchee and Atletico de Madrid - BOC Life Cup at Hong Kong Stadium on August 7, 2024 in Hong Kong, China. | Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images

Atlético begin another Copa del Rey adventure. Atlético de Madrid on Thursday night is hoping to take the first step toward ending an 11-year Copa del Rey title drought, as Los Rojiblancos head to Catalonia to face sixth-tier side Unió Esportiva Vic in the first round of the cup.
With Atlético Madrid practically already out of options to win LaLiga and Champions League league phase elimination appearing to be a distinct possibility, the Copa del Rey serves as the best chance Diego Simeone?s men will have to win a trophy this year ? and motivation could be a significant factor after Atlético reached the competition?s final four last season.
All our love and support to the people affected by the weather situation in Valencia ?? pic.twitter.com/bgLZmva1Fr? Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) October 30, 2024

Atlético was eliminated at the semifinal stage a season ago by eventual champions Athletic Club, suffering a 4-0 aggregate defeat that was every bit as bad as the scoreline indicated. Simeone has not been able to guide Atleti to the final since 2013, when Los Colchoneros defeated Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu to lift the cup for the 10th and most recent time.
?We did not have a good ...