Fernando Torres enjoys unconvincing Atletico Madrid debut but finally beats Real Madrid

Fernando Torres failed to make a big impact during his debut with Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night, but at least the Spaniard finally secured his first-ever derby win against Real Madrid during the Copa del Rey match.

After a very short, fruitless experience at AC Milan, the 30-year-old striker decided to return to his boyhood side seven and a half years after he left for Liverpool.

Atletico Madrid supporters are doing everything in their power to help Torres recapture the form which made him the world's deadliest striker during his spell at Anfield. The Spaniard was recently unveiled in front of 45,000 fans at the Vicente Calderon, while his number 19 shirt is breaking sales records.

Manager Diego Simeone also looks ready to make him fell at home. Even though Torres had not played a game since 23 November, Simeone didn't hesitate in handing him a starting role for Real Madrid's visit to the Vicente Calderon for the Copa del Rey last 16 first-leg.

Torres responded to the fans' love and the manager's trust with whole-hearted effort and tireless running, but the harsh truth is that he didn't score a goal, nor even come close during his 58 minutes on the pitch.

Playing as the sole striker, the Spaniard looked lost in his new side and indeed racked up many more offsides than shot on targets.

Only one fleeting incident reminded us of the striker Torres once was, when he stole the ball from Ramos on the right-hand side and created a chance for Griezmann. Unfortunately, his assist for the French forward was wayward.

Spanish newspapers were unanimous in their verdict: Torres was eager to impress Atletico Madrid supporters, but was still far from his best.

AS said: "Torres, meanwhile, did not differ from the player that we have seen in recent years [at Chelsea and Milan]. He was willing but always half a metre or half a second too late."

Marca added: "El Nino put every effort in, but still needs time. He tried without success and ended up being the first change of Atletico in the second half. We will have to wait to see the real Torres. He showed he is not in the best form. He was a little bit slow and was called offside many times."

Simeone backed Torres' performance, but admits he still needs to adapt to his methods

"He is looking strong, powerful and fast but he still needs to learn the way we put pressure on and when we do it and about linking up with his teammates. He brought enthusiasm and energy. With more playing time he'll get better" the boss said.