Fernando Torres makes winning return to Atletico Madrid as they beat Real
Striker subdued in hour-long display, but win shows how times have changed in Spanish capital since he last played there
Fernando Torres made a winning return to Atletico Madrid on Wednesday as the Spanish league champions secured an impressive 2-0 victory over city rival Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey.
Midfielder Raul Garcia converted a 57th minute penalty in the first leg match of the Copa’s last 16, before Jose Gimenez headed Atletico’s second goal in the 76th.
Torres, who supported Atletico as a boy and went on to make 244 appearances for the club, was applauded as he went off in the 59th minute at Vicente Calderon Stadium. Four minutes later, Madrid sent on Cristiano Ronaldo to try and spark a comeback.
Torres returned to Atletico on loan from AC Milan during the winter transfer window. Wednesday was his first win with Atletico over Madrid after nine previous attempts in his first stint in Spain, though he did beat Madrid twice with Liverpool.
“It feels good, as it always does when you beat a rival,” Torres said. “I’m happy for many things, for my return, for the team’s victory, and for the great atmosphere in the stands.”