Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior’s extra-time strikes earned Real Madrid a 3-1 win over rivals Atletico Madrid on Thursday to succeed in the Copa del Rey semi-finals.
The spiky, gripping derby conflict turned towards Diego Simeone’s aspect within the extra interval when defender Stefan Savic was despatched off.
Real Madrid v Atletico Marid – Copa del Rey highlights
Atletico took the lead via Alvaro Morata after 19 minutes however Rodrygo’s sensational slalom run previous three defenders and slick end pulled Madrid degree with 11 minutes remaining.
After Savic’s 99th minute crimson card, Benzema tucked house from Marco Asensio’s cross and Vinicius netted on the dying to ship Los Blancos via to the ultimate 4 for the primary time since 2019.
The build-up to the derby was tainted when a crude effigy of Vinicius was hung from a bridge close to Real Madrid’s coaching floor, which the membership described as “a disgusting act of racism, xenophobia and hatred.”
Madrid followers had deliberate to sing Vinicius’ identify in assist within the twentieth minute, matching his shirt quantity, however have been shocked into silence by Morata’s objective moments earlier than.
Atletico, hitting its greatest type of the season, conjured a superb transfer to interrupt the impasse, with Morata tapping house after Koke’s dink allowed Nahuel Molina to stroke a first-time cross to the again put up.
Eder Militao may need equalised however headed over from point-blank vary, the ball deflecting barely behind his leap to make the possibility more durable.
Antoine Griezmann was shifting with freedom between the traces, relishing his new deeper function and pulling the strings for Atletico as they dominated the primary half.
Madrid added one other identify to an extended harm record when Ferland Mendy had to get replaced earlier than half-time, with Eduardo Camavinga slotting in at left again and Dani Ceballos approaching.
Along with accidents for Dani Carvajal, David Alaba and Lucas Vazquez, it left Madrid with none pure full backs.
Benzema was not far-off from reaching Fede Valverde’s flick-on from Nacho’s drive, as Madrid began the second half strongly.
Jan Oblak produced a wonderful save to disclaim the French ahead, with Vinicius unable to react rapidly sufficient to complete from the rebound.
At the opposite finish, Axel Witsel despatched an overhead kick narrowly vast and Thibaut Courtois tipped a vicious Griezmann free kick over as Atletico tried and did not kill off the sport.
Rodrygo levelled with 11 minutes to go along with his jinking solo effort and delicate near-post end, taking the sport to extra-time.
Savic stumble
Atletico defender Savic foolishly handed Madrid the sting when he was despatched off for 2 yellow playing cards in two minutes.
The first got here throughout an argument with Vinicius and the second for fouling Camavinga.
Madrid instantly started to capitalise when Vinicius crossed for Antonio Rudiger, who headed narrowly vast.
Benzema struck lethally after 104 minutes when Vinicius miskicked Marco Asensio’s cross and the ball travelled via to the striker.
Madrid, which final gained the Copa del Rey in 2014, stored Atletico at bay within the closing quarter-hour earlier than Vinicius dribbled via and fired house to clinch the victory.
Earlier Athletic Bilbao gained 3-1 at Valencia to affix report 31-time winners Barcelona and Osasuna in Monday’s semi-final draw.
