The Ancelotti-led side squandered a two-goal lead, but ultimately secured their victory in extra time thanks to a brace from Endrick.
Real Madrid triumphed 5-2 against RC Celta to advance to the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey, thanks to extra-time goals from young Brazilian striker Endrick and Uruguayan midfielder Fede Valverde. This victory came after Jonathan Bamba and Marcos Alonso, from the penalty spot, managed to equalize, thus erasing the two-goal advantage accumulated by the Madrilenians.
Kylian Mbappé scored just before half-time after a controversial incident where Celta claimed a penalty against Lunin for a foul on Swedberg, while Vinícius Júnior added another early in the second half, providing some comfort to a Bernabéu audience frustrated by the performance of its players following a defeat in the Super Cup. However, this advantage did not calm the nerves of the Madrid team, who saw the Galicians come back into the match following a defensive error, resulting in an unnecessary penalty conceded by Asencio, converted by Marcos Alonso.
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With less flair than determination, Real Madrid showed better stamina and precision than Celta in extra time, with goals coming in quick succession to seal a 5-2 victory, including a brace from Endrick and another shot from Valverde to confirm their place in the quarter-finals.
The Copa was hosted by a somewhat dejected Bernabéu, facing a chilly evening after the recent Super Cup setback against Barcelona. Madrid supporters had designated their scapegoats: mainly Aurélien Tchouameni, as well as Lucas Vázquez and Carlo Ancelotti, who were the subject of whistles from the spectators. However, Tchouameni elicited the first applause from the stands with a powerful long-range shot well saved by Iván Villar.
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However, both teams’ performances were disappointing, with neither displaying much urgency or edge. Vinícius Júnior looked exasperated on the left flank, often invisible to his teammates, while Kylian Mbappé was isolated in his attacking role.
Under Ancelotti’s leadership, Real Madrid were in control and built a quick two-goal lead late in the first half and early in the second. With a comfortable 2-0 cushion and facing a disorganized Celta, they created their best moments and chances, with a third goal looking imminent. However, Celta had a golden opportunity with a close range shot from Sotelo which Lunin diverted for a corner, and from that moment on the Galicians began to respond.
In extra time, Real Madrid were determined to avoid penalties and demonstrated better finishing ability than their opponents, with spectacular efforts from Endrick and Valverde in the latter stages of extra time securing victory and avoiding any new fear.
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