Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid secured their spots in the last four of the Copa del Rey after winning their respective quarter-final matches on Thursday. Real Madrid came from behind to beat their city rivals 3-1 after extra time, while Atletico Madrid cruised past fourth-division club Arandina 3-1.
Real Madrid stuns Atletico with late comeback
Real Madrid showed their fighting spirit as they overturned a 1-0 deficit to defeat Atletico Madrid in a thrilling encounter at the Santiago Bernabeu. Atletico took the lead in the 19th minute when Alvaro Morata scored from close range after a brilliant team move involving Nahuel Molina and Angel Correa. Real Madrid struggled to create clear chances in the first half and were frustrated by Atletico’s solid defense.
However, the hosts came to life in the second half and equalized in the 80th minute through Rodrygo, who dribbled past three defenders and curled a stunning shot into the top corner. The game went into extra time, where Real Madrid took control and scored two more goals. Karim Benzema put them ahead in the 105th minute after tapping in a low cross from Marco Asensio, and Vinicius Jr. sealed the victory in the 122nd minute with a solo run and a cool finish.
Atletico Madrid finished the game with 10 men after Stefan Savic was sent off for a second yellow card in the 100th minute. The result ended Atletico’s hopes of winning their first Copa del Rey title since 2013 and gave Real Madrid a boost in their quest for their 20th trophy in the competition.
Atletico Madrid ease past Arandina to reach Copa del Rey last 16
Atletico Madrid had no trouble dispatching Arandina in their Copa del Rey last-32 encounter at the Wanda Metropolitano. The La Liga leaders scored three goals in the first half and cruised to a comfortable 3-1 win over the fourth-tier side.
Joselu opened the scoring in the 54th minute from the penalty spot after Brahim Diaz was fouled in the box by Zazu. Diaz doubled the lead a minute later with a low shot from the edge of the area that beat the goalkeeper. Rodrygo added a third goal in the 91st minute with a header from a cross by Arda Guler, who made his debut for Atletico after recovering from a long-term injury.
Arandina scored a consolation goal in the 94th minute when Nacho Fernandez turned the ball into his own net after a corner. Atletico Madrid dominated the game with 61% possession and 23 shots, while Arandina only managed 12 shots and one on target. Atletico Madrid advanced to the last 16 of the Copa del Rey for the first time since 2019 and will face either Barcelona or Osasuna in the next round.
