Ajibade's late strike fires Atletico Madrid to Copa de la Reina semi-finals

Rasheedat Ajibade left it late to score the winner as Atletico Madrid pipped Real Sociedad 1-0 in a Spanish Copa de la Reina quarter-final contest at Estadio Zubieta XXI on Wednesday.

Heading into the tie, Atletico had failed to make it past the Round of 16 in the last edition, following a shock defeat to Real Betis.

On the other hand, Real Sociedad sought a repeat of a 2-1 triumph over Atletico in the 2019 final, having failed to progress from the Round of 16 at the expense of Madrid CFF in the last edition.

To avoid back-to-back Spanish Cup losses to Sociedad, Atletico forced Natalia Arroyo's team to a goalless draw in the first half.

With both teams heading to extra time, Ludmila Silva raced into the area before setting up Ajibade to tap in the injury-time winner.

The result saw Atletico end a winless run in five consecutive matches in all competitions and also booked a spot in the last four.

She has now scored two goals in all competitions for Atletico this term and was in action for the entire duration. Cameroon's Ajara Nchout was an unused substitute in their team's narrow victory.

Following the win, Atletico will hope to build on their winning form when they welcome Rayo Vallecano in their next fixture on May 1.

With Atletico's Champions League return bid fast fading away, Ajibade will aim to continue with her goalscoring form to inspire her side's revival.