Football
Adriana Garcia 7y

Julio Velazquez hails 'perfect' display as Alcorcon reach Copa quarterfinals

Alcorcon coach Julio Velazquez is thrilled at his team's achievement in reaching the Copa del Rey quarterfinals for the first time in the club's history.

With all to play for at fellow Segunda Division side Cordoba after a goalless draw in the opening leg, Alcorcon trailed 1-0 at half-time but hit back with two goals after the restart to win 2-1.

The club, based in the Madrid region, have got to the last-16 before losing on three previous occasions, but will now take their place in the quarters.

"This result gives us great joy," Velazquez told the club's official website. "It's the first time Alcorcon reaches the quarterfinals of the competition and that is thanks to the great work done by the players.

"I have to thank the work and commitment they show every day. Cordoba were superior in the first half but after the restart, we approached the game differently.

"We were more aggressive and effective. My team was perfect in the second half."

Alcorcon players celebrated in the changing room after the game with their goalkeeper Dani Jimenez posting a photograph on his Twitter account with the message: "Thanks for giving me the opportunity to be part of your history."

Alcorcon, the only Segunda Division side alive in the Copa, will find out in Friday's draw who their next opponents will be in the competition.

"I don't mind who we face next," Velazquez said. "There are positives to taking on Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid as it would mean we would not have to travel and hence, we would be less tired physically and mentally.

"We will approach our quarterfinal tie with seriousness and rigour."

Velazquez hopes Alcorcon's latest success will help them climb up the Segunda Division standings.

Alcorcon are 17th in the 22-team division, one point above the drop zone and have taken just two points from their 10 league games away from home this season.

"This game should help us in every way," Velazquez said. "We need to realise that we can win away from home and that is why this win in Cordoba is so important.

"Our reality is Sunday's game at Lugo. We need a win to allow us to catch our breath in the standings.

"We will continue to train hard and give 100 percent to achieve our aim."

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