Atletico Madrid secures spot in round of 16 of Copa del Rey

MADRID (AP) — Atletico Madrid defeated third-tier team Reus 1-0 on Thursday, comfortably advancing to the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey 3-1 on aggregate.

Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey scored the winner in the 53rd minute, firing home a low shot from outside the area after a cross was partially cleared by the defense.

The win was Atletico's ninth in a row and kept the club unbeaten in 15 matches.

Coach Diego Simeone rested several regular starters ahead of Sunday's match at Malaga in the Spanish league.

Atletico is level on 35 points at the top of the standings with Barcelona, which is currently playing the Club World Cup in Japan.