The Copa del Rey could save Atletico Madrid's season Atletico Madrid Easiest path to a final

The season is coming into its decisive stage and Atletico Madrid are hoping to add another trophy to Diego Simeone's tally.

Another piece of silverware this season would be his eighth at the club, and they'll have identified the Copa del Rey as the shortest route to a trophy.

Having fallen in the Supercopa de Espana, Atletico are in a position from which it's almost impossible to win LaLiga Santander, with them sitting eight points off Barcelona and Real Madrid, and they have to visit both in the second half of the season.

In LaLiga Santander, Atleti's priority is now ensuring that they secure a top-four finish and qualify for next season's Champions League.

They'll take on Liverpool in that very competition this season, giving them a tough task if they are to challenge for European glory.

The Copa del Rey then, despite the new format making things more difficult for the big sides, presents their most direct route to a final.

Simeone will hope that that Copa can save their season.