Real Madrid move into Copa Del Rey semi-final after win over Atletico Madrid

Real Madrid came from behind to beat their city rivals, Atletico Madrid, 3-1 after extra time in Thursday’s Quarterfinal fixture of the Copa Del Rey.

The fixture at the Santiago Bernabeu was the second Copa Del Rey fixture of Thursday after Valencia lost 3-1 to Athletic Club at the Mestella earlier in the day.

Carlo Ancelotti went with his key players into the fixture, with Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior starting upfront alongside Federico Valverde.

German midfielder Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, and Eduardo Camavinga started in the midfield, while Thibaut Courtois was protected by Ferland Mendy, Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, and Nacho Fernandez.

The fixture was the second time, but City rivals would clash this season after Real Madrid won 2-1 away at the Wanda Metropolitan Stadium in La Liga in September last year.

Atletico Madrid looked good enough for a revenge mission as they took the lead in the first 20 minutes of the game as Alvaro Morata poked home a sleek move from Diego Simeone’s men in the 19th minute.

Atletico Madrid was able to hold on to the lead into halftime and were less than 15 minutes away from a victory before Brazilian forward Rodrygo produced a moment of individual brilliance to pull Real Madrid level.

The Brazilian had only spent 10 minutes on the pitch after he was substituted in for Federico Valverde in the 69th minute.

Carlo Ancelotti’s men could not get a winner before the end of 90 minutes, but they were able to do more damage in extra time after Karim Benzema scored before the end of first half extra time while Vinicius Junior sealed their progress into the semi-final with a goal in the second half extra time.

Real Madrid now joins Osasuna Barcelona and Athletic club in the semi-final of the Copa Del Rey.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu