Atletico Madrid, leaders of the La Liga, crashed out of the Copa del Rey after experiencing a shock second-round blow of 1-0 by third-division Cornella, on Wednesday.

Holding the seventh position in the Segunda B division, Cornella got the historic triumph after Adrian Jimenez scored in the seventh minute. 

Atletico’s hurdles increased after Saul Niguez shot hit the cross bar in the first half, while Richard Sanchez had to be sent off the field in the 20th minute, reported AFP. 

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The team management had benched important players like Marcos Llorente, Luis Suarez, Koke and Yannick Carrasco. Moreover, Felix was sent off the field in the second half. 

But Atletico also struggled for fluency and chances against a far less prestigious opponent, who had lost to Barcelona’s second team in their previous match in December.

Atletico, who underestimated the team which lost to Barcelona’s B-team in December, struggled to secure a goal throughout the match, reported AFP. 

The defeat makes it consecutive seasons that Atletico have lost to a third-tier side in the cup after they were knocked out by Cultural Leonesa 12 months ago.

It also raises the stakes ahead of two tough games in La Liga against Athletic Bilbao this weekend and then Sevilla, even if one less competition could aid their title challenge in the coming months.

Felix and Gimenez were both left injured and are likely to not play a few games, reported AFP. 

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Jiminez gave Cornella the lead with a hooked finish, connecting brilliantly with Agus Medina’s cross at the near post to put his team in front.

Saul struck the crossbar soon after, a weaving run and shot from Angel Correa causing the ball to pop out to the midfielder in the penalty box.

Yet Cornella were never unduly troubled and played the last half an hour with an extra man after Atletico’s Sanchez picked up a second yellow card for leaving a foot in on Cornella’s goalkeeper.

Real Betis had earlier beaten UD Mutilvera 3-1 to reach the next round while Levante, Elche and Granada also made it safely through.