The standout image from last night's Copa del Rey action must be the moment Arda Turan threw one of his boots towards the linesman.

It was one episode in an attritional performance from Atletico Madrid and although they have played a combative brand of football under Diego Simeone, Off The Ball's European football correspondent Graham Hunter has noted an evolution - or more appropriately - a regression in the reigning La Liga champions' approach.

"They are now dramatically worse off in their disciplinary record. In league and cup, their disciplinary record at the halfway point this season is almost as bad as it was for the whole of last season," said Graham.

"What's happening is that they are trying to compensate for the hemorrhage of quality with a thugishness.  They've gone from being the Robin Hoods of last season to armed robbers this season and I think people notice."

Graham also gave his take on Neymar's growth into a regular goalscorer for Barcelona this season.