Real Madrid travelled to Celta Vigo on Wednesday in the first leg of the fifth round of the Copa del Rey having not lost away to the club for 10 years.
The opening period was shaded by the home side, but the score remained goalless with both sides entering the break level.
Celta drew first blood before the hour mark, however, when Mario Bermejo ghosted into the box to tap home from close range.
Meanwhile, the home side had their second after 78 minutes when Cristian Bustos rattled an effort into the top corner.
Madrid did grab a late consolation, however, when Cristiano Ronaldo struck from close range in the final moments.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action.
Evening all! Having watched Barcelona secure a first-leg lead over Cordoba, our focus now switches to Real Madrid as they attempt to negotiate a difficult tie against Celta Vigo, who have enjoyed recent success over Madrid. Just a reminder that the second leg of this tie will take place at the Bernabeu next week.
Teams:
Celta Vigo: Sergio; Mallo, Arceo, Cabral, Lago; Oubina, Krohn-Dehli, Fernandez; Bermejo, Aspas, Park
Real Madrid: Adan; Arbeloa, Pepe, Carvalho, Varane; Alonso, Modric, Essien; Ronaldo, Benzema, Di Maria
Celta suffered a 1-0 defeat to Athletic Bilbao at the weekend, a result that left them in 15th spot in the table. But they have won two of their last five matches in all competitions. That is in contrast to Madrid, who beat Real Valladolid at the weekend to pick up their fourth win in their last five matches.
The last time Madrid suffered defeat in Vigo was in the 2000-01 season when Luis Figo, Roberto Carlos and Raul were part of the side that were defeated in the league. However, there is one survivor from tonight’s squad, with Iker Casillas involved between the sticks.
So, time for a prediction. I think Madrid have the edge over the home side and after seeing the team Jose Mourinho has named, I am backing a 3-1 away win.
Real Madrid get us underway on this mild evening in Spain. You just get the feeling that Celta need to take a lead into the second leg if they are to have a chance to making it through to the next round. Be sure to stay with us for the entirety of the action. You will not want to miss it.
It has been a strong start from Madrid with Karim Benzema testing the palms of Sergio in the opening stages of the match. However, a searching pass from Bermejo comes close to finding Park down the other end, but Pepe manages to hook clear.
Another half-chance comes to Madrid as Ronaldo drives into the Celta penalty area before chipping a cross to the back post, but Sergio just manages to claim with Benzema advancing on goal. The supporters are in good voice this evening and it has aided a really high-tempo start to proceedings on this rainy evening.
End-to-end football at the moment with Madrid coming close through a Modric effort, before Celta advance down the other end and force a corner. However, the delivery is poor and Essien heads clear of the danger zone. Neither team has really settled thus far with half-chances at either end.
Ronaldo continues to influence proceedings as he picks up possession before driving down the left, but he is challenged by Lago as he cuts inside and the defender manages to clear. However, it comes straight back in the shape of Di Maria. Madrid have so many players that can hurt you in advanced areas.
It's smart play from the home side with Aspas linking up with Augusto Fernandez, but it just would not fall for the midfielder in the penalty area and Adan is on hand to collect possession. There really has been some bright football from both sides in the opening 11 minutes of this match. But still no goals.
It just isn't quite happening for Madrid in advanced areas at the moment with another attacking opportunity breaking down at the final moment. However, Luka Modric and Xabi Alonso have started to get to grips with the midfield and they are enjoying the majority of the ball.
It's really poor from Di Maria as the Argentine finds himself in a wide area, but instead of feeding Varane who was in acres, the winger decided to shoot at goal in an effort that was never troubling Sergio. Meanwhile, the position of the Celta defence is now allowing Madrid to run in behind.
CHANCE! Clearest opening of the match thus far comes to the home side as Aspas fires a high cross into the penalty area, but Park cannot make proper contact at the far post and his effort moves past the goal. All it needed was a firm touch and the home side would have taken a decisive lead.
The first yellow card of the match is handed to Ronaldo as the winger is deemed to have deliberately taken out Mallo. There was not an awful lot in it, but the referee certainly took exception. In fairness it has not been that type of match thus far. But it is just threatening to become slightly bitty.
Madrid continue to play the better football in the middle of the park with Modric and Alonso probing. The ball eventually finds its way out wide to Di Maria, but once more the cross is too close to the goalkeeper and Sergio is on hand to collect. We are still waiting for the first real chance of the match for the away side.
Celta continue to attempt to get the ball forward with as few passes as possible, but they are being closed out at the final moment with Carvalho and Pepe holding a high line. Again they attempt to go wide in the shape of Aspas, but Alonso manages to block his cross on route to goal.
Ever so sloppy at the moment with both sides failing to keep hold of possession for any real extended period. Another half-chance comes to Madrid as Ronaldo finds Benzema in the box, but the Frenchman is crowded out. The home side immediately advance down the other end, but Aspas cannot evade Carvalho.
The rain is really hammering down at the moment and it is affecting the quality of the football. Celta continue to fire high balls into the penalty area, but have been unable to give Park a real chance of making something happen. Meanwhile, Di Maria attempts to find the run of Benzema down the other end, but it rolls out of play for a goal kick.
Varane appears to have a bit of a problem at the moment as he hits the deck under the challenge of Krohn-Dehli. Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho gives a rocket to his goalkeeper Adan for handing immediate possession straight back to Celta with a long pass. The surface is not allowing that type of football to prosper.
Another half-chance comes to Madrid as Ronaldo collects before finding Benzema in the penalty area, but the Frenchman can only fire his effort wide of the post from a difficult angle. Meanwhile, Benzema now appears to have an issue with his Achilles. Maybe the players don't fancy this weather?!
Benzema's injury is deemed bad enough to end his evening as Jose Callejon replaces the striker. It does not look too clever for the Frenchman as he limps off the pitch. It may put his place against Espanyol at the weekend in doubt. Still 0-0 with little over 10 minutes of the half to play.
Another half-chance comes to Madrid as Ronaldo finds the run of Callejon behind the Celta defence. The midfielder strikes the post with his effort, only to see the offside flag raised and the home side's goalkeeper restarts with a free kick. The home side are just struggling for possession at the moment.
Ronaldo continues to look the most likely to open the scoring as he cuts inside before firing a powerful effort at goal, but Sergio gets down low to make a decent save. Meanwhile, it appears that the away side are preparing their second change as Mesut Ozil is put through his paces on the sidelines.
Aspas is finally given a chance to open up his legs as the winger evades Pepe before firing a high cross into the penalty area, but Park just cannot make proper contact and Adan is on hand to collect the danger. Little over five minutes of the half remaining and the rain continues to pour.
CHANCE! Another glorious opportunity comes to the home side as Aspas fires a searching cross into the penalty area, but once more Park cannot make proper contact and the chance is wasted. The resulting corner is fired in by Fernandez, but Bermejo heads just wide.
The pressure from the home side remains as Aspas evades the challenge of Varane before driving into the penalty area, but once again Pepe is on hand to clear the danger. It really is one-way traffic at the moment with Madrid struggling to get involved in the match.
Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes at the end of the half. Betis continue to play the better football as Mourinho looks on from the sidelines. Oh to be a fly in their dressing room at the break.
Again it's bright play from the home side with Aspas and Bermejo combining in the attacking third, forcing Pepe into conceding a corner. However, the set piece is headed over the crossbar by Park.
Celta Vigo 0-0 Real Madrid
So there we have it. The first period is brought to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. Madrid certainly started the match the better, but Celta improved as the half entered its latter stages.
Park has had three golden chances to open the scoring for the home side, but his finishing has let him down on each occasion. Meanwhile, Madrid are struggling to come to terms with the conditions with Di Maria and Callejon struggling to make an impact.
Looking ahead to the second period. It would not be a surprise if Madrid introduced Ozil at the interval. However, the home side are unlikely to make changes at the break and will continue to look for Aspas at every opportunity. They have to take a lead into the second leg to have a chance of making the next stage.
Looking ahead to the rest of the week. We have live commentary of Levante vs. Real Zaragoza from 6.30pm tomorrow. Meanwhile, we have three back-to-back La Liga live commentaries to bring you on Saturday. In addition to three more on Sunday. Be sure to join me for that and you will not miss a kick.
Here we go then. Celta get us underway in the second period. You just get the feeling that this first leg could be decided by the odd goal. Just a reminder that the second leg will take place in the Spanish capital next Tuesday. The winner of this tie will face either Osasuna and Valencia in the next round.
Madrid have indeed made a change at the interval with Ozil replacing Di Maria. The Argentine winger has been really poor this evening and just was not in that first period of action. It's a decent start to the second period from the away side as Ronaldo drives into the Celta half, but he is chopped down by Mallo.
Just a reminder that Madrid have lost five times this season with all five coming on the road. They have struggled for form away from the Spanish capital and that has been the case this evening. However, they have started the second half on the front foot with Ronaldo and Ozil threatening in and around the penalty area.
Half-chance for Madrid as Ronaldo drives down the left before finding Ozil in the penalty area, but Lago just manages to beat the German to the ball. The resulting set piece is taken by the midfielder, but once more Celta clear their lines.
Slightly sloppy from the home side in the last couple of minutes with Arceo and Cabral both guilty of handing possession to Madrid in their own half, but the away side cannot take advantage. Park remains a threat down the other end, but his final touch continues to lack.
First sign of Aspas in the second period as the attacker evades the challenge of Carvalho before firing a low cross into the penalty area, but Pepe just manages to beat Park to the ball. Neither side has really been able to create a clear shooting chance in the second period.
Another half-chance comes to the away side as Ozil finds Arbeloa in the penalty area, but the Spanish defender slices horribly up into the air and Lago is able to head clear. Arbeloa does not score too many goals and it is easy to see why with shooting like that!
GOAL! Celta Vigo 1-0 Real Madrid (Mario Bermejo)
Celta draw first blood here as Krohn-Dehli picks up possession before driving a low cross into the penalty area and Bermejo is on hand to tap home at the far post. Madrid wanted an offside decision, but the flag stayed down.
Madrid really have some work to do in the final 30 or so minutes in this match. There had been signs that the opening goal was coming. But Celta have the referee to thank for playing advantage in the middle of the pitch. They lead in this fifth-round clash.
Madrid call for a penalty as Callejon is felled in the penalty area by Cabral, but the referee shakes his head and play is continued with the home side in possession of the ball. The match is so open at the moment. I would be surprised if this ended with just the one goal.
Celta continue to frustrate Madrid as Oubina denies Ozil outside the penalty area. Ronaldo picks up the loose ball, but his pass for Callejon is just wide of the target and the home side launch an attack of their own. It really is end-to-end football as we enter the final 30 minutes of football.
Half-chance for Madrid once more as Ronaldo evades the challenge of Mallo before firing a cross into the penalty area, but Mallo just beats Callejon to the ball and the danger is cleared. Meanwhile, it appears that Kaka will soon join us on the field for the away side.
Both sides make changes as Enrique De Lucas replaces Park for Celta and Kaka is introduced in place of Essien. Just a reminder that this is a two-legged affair and therefore nothing will be decided this evening. The second leg of this tie will take place at the Bernabeu next Tuesday.
CHANCE! Glorious opportunity for the home side to make it 2-0 as Aspas fires a low cross into the penalty area towards De Lucas, but the striker had just made the run too early and the offside flag was raised. All he had to do was hold his position and he would have had an easy tap in. You just get the feeling that there are more goals in this match.
Half-chance for Madrid as Kaka strikes an effort from outside the penalty area, but Bermejo manages to head clear in front of his goalkeeper. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining and the score remains 1-0. But Madrid have just started to raise the tempo.
CHANCE! Madrid's best chance of the second period falls to Modric as the Croatian latches onto a loose header from Lago, but his volley is saved by Sergio. It was a smart save from the goalkeeper but the midfielder never really caught it properly.
It's really poor from Callejon as the Madrid winger fires a low cross straight into the arms of Sergio much to the frustrations of his teammates. That has pretty much summed up their evening thus far. But there is still 15 minutes for Madrid to secure an equaliser. Can they score? They always score. Ronaldo fires from outside the box, but Sergio is down low once more.
End-to-end football at the moment as Aspas launches a glorious cross-field pass towards Fernandez, but his effort is straight at Adan. The Madrid goalkeeper then finds the run of Ronaldo, but once more the attacker is crowded out and the danger is cleared.
Celta make another change as Cristian Bustos replaces Aspas, who has been sensational this evening. It appears that they will place five men in midfield and attempt to soak up the pressure from Madrid. Meanwhile, slight handbags between Pepe and Lago in the Celta box as the two defenders clash.
GOAL! Celta Vigo 2-0 Real Madrid (Cristian Bustos)
Oh my word! Celta have their second and it's the substitute as Bustos collects possession outside the penalty area before striking into the top corner. Just wonderful. Pick that one out.
Where do Madrid go from here? They are certainly capable of turning things around in the second leg, but they are heading for another defeat on the road. They have not played well this evening make no mistake about that. Little over 10 minutes of football to play.
Madrid have upped the tempo in the past few minutes with Ronaldo and Kaka combining outside the penalty area, but once more the danger is cleared before the home side embark on a counter of their own. Possession comes back to Modric, but his effort is pushed wide by Sergio.
Another half-chance comes to Madrid as Kaka finds Ronaldo in the penalty area, but the Portuguese cannot make proper contact and Sergio is able to collect. Incredible end-to-end football at the moment and it would not be a surprise if we had at least one more goal this evening.
Celta make their final change of the evening as Jonathan Vila replaces Bermejo. He has certainly put in some shift this evening. Along with Aspas he has been the star of the show. Can Celta hang on to their clean sheet in the latter stages?
GOAL! Celta Vigo 2-1 Real Madrid (Ronaldo)
What an important goal that could prove to be. It's a wonderful pass from Alonso that finds Ronaldo in the penalty area and the attacker turns before firing his effort into the top corner.
Remember, away goals do indeed count in Spanish cup football. That could be priceless to take into the second leg next week. Will we have another goal in the final few minutes of this one? Madrid really have their tails up now.
Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes of football at the end of the match. Is there another goal left in this?
Madrid really are finishing the stronger here as Modric strikes an effort outside the penalty area, but Sergio gets down low to make a fine save. Meanwhile, it's handbags between Cabral and Ronaldo in the Celta penalty area.
Madrid continue to press in the latter stages with Ronaldo carrying the fight, but the Portuguese slips at the vital moment and that could be just about it with little over 30 seconds of football remaining.
Celta Vigo 2-1 Real Madrid
So there we have it. Celta will take a 2-1 lead into the second leg at the Bernabeu next week. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and join us for more Copa del Rey football tomorrow. Until then!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
