Celta Vigo advanced into the Copa del Rey semi-finals for the first time since 2001 with victory over sloppy Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night.
Midfielder Pablo Hernandez was the hero, scoring a brace of headers to secure a triumph over an Atleti side which conceded three at home for the first time in a year.
After gaining a goalless draw in the first leg, Atletico started on the front foot, winning three corners in the opening five minutes. Koke fired wide before Antoine Griezmann and Saul had efforts saved as the hosts pressed for the opener, and Celta struggled to get outside their own half.
But the Galicians grabbed a crucial away goal with their first meaningful attack as a corner was played short to Fabian Orellana and his pinpoint cross was headed home by Hernandez.
The lead didn’t last for long, though, as Atletico renewed their hopes when Yannick Carrasco’s strike was only parried by visiting keeper Ruben Blanco straight into the path of Griezmann, who slotted home the leveller. But Diego Simeone’s side were unusually wasteful in possession and lacklustre in defence, and Celta came close to restoring their lead early in the second half when John Guidetti raced through but saw his shot saved by Miguel Angel Moya.
Atletico’s respite was only temporary, because two minutes later Swedish frontman Guidetti was given space to advance and crash a home brilliant 25-yard strike.
The hosts nearly hit straight back as substitute Angel Correa thumped a shot against the crossbar, but Celta were by far the most convincing and soon effectively sealed their passage into the last four when Hugo Mallo overlapped down the right and his cross was nodded home by Hernandez.
Atletico continued to misfire, with their struggles leading to the rare sound of whistles from the Vicente Calderon crowd.
Some hope was provided with 10 minutes remaining when Correa turned and finished well on the edge of the box to reduce the deficit to 3-2. But Atletico still needed two more goals, and that scenario never looked like unfolding as Celta played through the final stages with assurance.
