Cerci makes 1st Atletico appearance in 2 years

Alessio Cerci has found new life at Atletico Madrid.

The underused Italian winger emerged from the substitutes' bench Tuesday in Copa del Rey action to make his first appearance for the capital club in exactly two years.

Cerci replaced midfielder Saul Niguez in the 61st to a standing ovation at the Vicente Calderon, where Atletico hosted third-tier CD Guijuelo in the second leg of a last-32 Copa del Rey tie.

There was little risk involved in the decision to play the 29-year-old, as Atletico had already built a sizeable 6-1 lead on aggregate heading into the reverse fixture.

Los Rojiblancos ended up winning Tuesday's clash 4-1.

Having endured frustrating stints on loan at AC Milan and Genoa, as well as a knee injury at the start of the 2016-17 campaign, Cerci found himself on the outside of Diego Simeone's plans for the past two seasons.

He last played for Atletico on Dec. 20, 2014, in a 1-0 away defeat to Villarreal.

Simeone said prior to the match he would allow Cerci and other first-team players an opportunity to get much needed playing time.

"He has gone through a rough time and he will get a chance," said the Argentine. "I may give him some minutes so that he feels like a footballer again."