On a dramatic night at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Real Madrid showcased their resilience and talent by defeating Celta Vigo 5-2 in the Copa del Rey Round of 16. The match was filled with excitement, twists, and some nail-biting moments that had fans on the edge of their seats.
Early Dominance by Real Madrid
The game kicked off with Real Madrid quickly taking charge. Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring early, finding the net in the first half. Vinicius Junior followed soon after, extending the lead to 2-0. It seemed like Madrid was well on their way to a straightforward victory at this point, as they looked confident and in control.
Celta Vigo Fights Back
However, just when it seemed like Real Madrid would cruise to a win, Celta Vigo showed their fighting spirit. Jonathan Bamba pulled a goal back, reducing the deficit to 2-1 and igniting hope for the visitors. Then, in a dramatic turn of events, Marcos Alonso stepped up in stoppage time to score from the penalty spot, leveling the game at 2-2. This unexpected comeback shocked the home crowd, as Madrid had been firmly in the driver’s seat just moments earlier.
Extra Time Drama
With the score tied, the match advanced to extra time. This is where the magic truly happened for Real Madrid. Young star Endrick rose to the occasion, netting two brilliant goals during this period, asserting his place in club lore. Federico Valverde also contributed with a timely goal, solidifying Madrid’s lead and clinching their place in the quarter-finals of the competition with a final score of 5-2.
Player Performances to Remember
Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni was a standout player, making his mark on the game with 117 touches and one assist. His incredible passing accuracy of 94% and excellent defensive efforts, which included winning seven ground duels, made him a key figure in Madrid’s success. Despite a shaky start and some early doubts, Tchouameni silenced his critics with an impressive display.
Match Summary and Broadcast Details
Overall, the match was a gripping encounter showcasing the heart of football, where Real Madrid had to dig deep to overcome a resilient Celta Vigo side. For fans in the United States, the thrilling action was broadcast live on ESPN+, allowing supporters to rally behind their team. The match started at 21:30 CET (3:30 PM ET, 12:30 PM PT), making it a perfect afternoon of football viewing.
Where To Watch Next?
The next round of the Copa del Rey is just around the corner, and fans will be eager to see what both teams have in store next. Remember to check your local listings to catch all the exciting action, as the competition heats up!