Lolo Plas penalty cancelled out Thomas Parteys opener for Atletico Madrid to ensure third-tier Elche claimed a draw from the first leg of their Copa del Rey last-32 tie with Atletico Madrid.

LaLiga giants Atletico Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw in the away first leg of their last-32 Copa del Rey tie with third-tier Elche on Wednesday.

Diego Simeone rested stars including Antoine Griezmann, Koke, Jan Oblak and Diego Godin ahead of Saturday's league game against Villarreal and his replacements failed to get the job done.

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Atletico started well, however, and took only 17 minutes to break the deadlock, Thomas Partey beating goalkeeper Guillermo Vallejo with a fine header after the midfielder was picked out at the back post by Jose Gimenez.

The visitors, who benched Saul Niguez against the Spain international's hometown team, wasted many opportunities to extend their lead and Elche promptly levelled shortly after half-time, Lolo Pla converting a penalty he won himself by drawing a foul from Lucas Hernandez.