Real Madrid welcomed Celta Vigo to the Spanish capital on Wednesday needing to overturn a 2-1 deficit in order to advance to the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey.
A Cristiano Ronaldo double in the first half moved Madrid 3-2 ahead in the tie, but both sides had chances to add to the scoring.
Two more goals followed late in the second period, however, as Ronaldo grabbed his third and Sami Khedira added gloss to the scoreline late on.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-my-minute live coverage of the action below.
Evening all! With the La Liga title all but gone for Madrid, Jose Mourinho will be keen to tie down some silverware as he attempts to ease some of the gloom in the Spanish capital. Celta, however, have won on two of their last three visits to the Bernabeu and will feel confident of booking their spot in the next stage of the competition.
Madrid ended a three-match winless run with a 4-3 victory over Real Sociedad at the weekend, but they remain 16 points behind Barcelona at the top of the table. They are on a 31-match unbeaten run at the Bernabeu in all competitions, however, and face a Celta side that has not impressed on the road this season.
The Galicians, who have won just four of their last 14 matches in all competitions, have lost all but one of their away matches this season. Despite their success in this tournament, they have been less impressive in the league and they currently occupy 15th position, just three points outside of the bottom three.
TEAMS:
REAL MADRID: Casillas; Arbeloa, Carvalho, Ramos, Essien; Modric, Khedira, Alonso; Ronaldo, Benzema, Ozil
CELTA VIGO: Alvarez; Cabral, Bellvis, Tunez, Mallo; Fernandez, Vila, Lopez; Park, Krohn-Dehli, De Lucas
So there we have it. Iker Casillas is recalled for the home side this evening. Meanwhile, Luka Modric and Ricardo Carvalho also start. There is a surprise in the Celta team, however, with Iago Aspas on the bench. Just about time for my pre-match prediction. I cannot see anything other than a Madrid win this evening. I am backing them to advance with a 3-0 win. The home side get the action underway.
Strong start from the away side as Alex Lopez picks up possession before attempting to find the run of Park behind the Madrid defence, but Casillas comes out to collect. Just a quick note, Madrid have kept just seven clean sheets this season. Celta will certainly feel that they can test the waters in the early stages.
GOAL! Real Madrid 1-0 Celta Vigo (Ronaldo)
Madrid respond with an attempt of their own as Ronaldo picks up possession outside the box before firing a powerful effort towards the top corner and Sergio Alvarez can get nowhere near it as the ball explodes into the back of the net.
Well that is certainly some way to answer some critics. Madrid have started this match like a house on fire as they force two corners in quick succession. However, Cabral is on hand to clear before the second is clipped over by Benzema. As it stands, Madrid would advance to the next stage of the competition.
Celta have simply not settled in the opening six minutes of this match. They have won just once away from home all season and that is showing in the early stages. Madrid are almost in once more as Tunez hands possession to Modric, but the Croatian cannot find Ronaldo and the move breaks down.
Still Madrid pin Celta to the edge of their own penalty area with Ozil and Alonso passing and probing outside the Celta box. The away side continue to sit deep and attempt to clear the danger, but it comes straight back. As this match advances, the decision not to start Aspas could play on Paco Herrera's mind. It does seem strange to leave out your top scorer for this match.
Again it's good work from Ronaldo as the Portuguese picks up possession before attempting to find Modric outside the box, but Mallo is just out to clear the danger. The Spanish defender sprays a long pass towards Park, but the on-loan Arsenal striker cannot keep hold of possession. Another Madrid goal at this stage would be decisive with how the match has fared thus far.
Celta force their first attack of the evening as Alex Lopez advances down the left before firing a low cross into the box, but Enrique de Lucas cannot collect with Modric on the cover. The Madrid midfielder wanted a free kick, but the referee was not interested. Ronaldo attempts to collect a long pass down the other end, but it skids off the turf.
Half-chance for Madrid to score their second of the evening as Alonso finds Benzema with a searching pass, but the Frenchman just cannot collect and Alvarez is out to gather the danger. Celta are really struggling to enjoy any sort of possession in the early stages of the match. However, you get the feeling that Madrid will give them chances.
Another long-range attempt from Ronaldo comes close to adding his side's second of the evening, but it just whistles past the post. The Portuguese is certainly in the mood this evening. Celta have a half-chance down the other end from a sloppy header from Essien, but Park cannot beat Casillas to the ball.
Slightly better from the away side in the last couple of moments with Park and Krohn-Dehli starting to test the Madrid defence. However, a counter attack down the other end comes close to bringing the home side's second goal as Ronaldo fires a high cross into the box, but it is just too high for Benzema and Tunez is on hand to clear the danger.
Celta create a couple of problems in the Madrid defence with a corner from Fernandez, but it just would not fall for Park and Carvalho is on hand to clear the danger. Meanwhile, the away supporters continue to raise their side as Fernandez fires another dangerous cross into the penalty area.
Frustration for Ronaldo as the Portuguese attempts to dance past Mallo down the left, but the Spanish defender stands his ground and the free kick is not awarded. However, the pressure remains on Celta as Alonso and Modric continue to pass and probe. That said, we have not seen much from Ozil thus far.
Celta have just taken the sting out of the match in the past few moments with a period of possession, but without Aspas they simply do not have that pass behind the opposing defence. Park has been tidy with his feet in the opening 24 minutes, but he is not the kind of player that will really threaten Madrid. Half-chance for Modric as he strikes an effort from outside the box, but it moves over the crossbar.
GOAL! Real Madrid 2-0 Celta Vigo (Ronaldo)
Madrid have their second of the evening as Modric floats a wonderful pass in behind the Celta defence and Ronaldo is on hand to flick the ball past the onrushing Alvarez. That is football of the highest order. Celta have it all to do now.
That goal doesn't change the fact that Celta knew that they needed to score this evening. However, it could get a whole lot worse before it gets better as Ozil finds Khedira in the box, but the German international just cannot collect and the ball moves out of play.
Madrid continue to strive forward in search of their third as Ozil combines with Modric before the Croatian attempts to find the run of Benzema, but the Frenchman cannot collect with Tunez in close contact. You just get the feeling that Celta need to steady the ship in the latter stages of the half.
It is almost like a training match for the home side at the moment as they continue to pass and probe in the Celta half. Another attack comes close to creating a chance as Arbeloa drives down the left, Benzema eventually has an effort from close range, but Alvarez collects before attempting to launch a counter for his side.
Slight concern for Essien as the on-loan Chelsea midfielder is challenged by Lopez, but he returns to his feet after a brief spell of treatment. You just get the feeling that there is a chance on the counter for Celta this evening, if they can keep hold of the possession. Surely we will see Aspas sooner rather than later. Little under 15 minutes of the opening period remaining.
Half-chance for Madrid to add their third of the evening as Modric is felled outside the penalty area by Fernandez. The resulting free kick is taken by Ronaldo, but his effort takes a big deflection off the wall before landing on the top of the net. That could well have been tie over.
CHANCE! Glorious opportunity for Madrid to add their second as Essien finds the run of Ozil in the Celta penalty area. The German rounds the goalkeeper before attempting to find the bottom corner, but Alvarez just gets the slightest of touches on the ball. The resulting corner finds the head of Ramos, but his header is over the crossbar.
Ronaldo have the ball in the back of the net once more as Ronaldo advances on goal before finding the bottom corner, but the offside flag is raised. However, replays have shown that the Portuguese was indeed onside. A discussion with the official commences, but the score remains just 2-0. Just a reminder that the winner of this match will face Valencia.
Madrid have a free kick just outside the penalty area as Ronaldo is felled by Tunez, but for some reason the referee does not send off the Celta defender. The resulting set piece is taken by Ramos, but his effort curls just over the crossbar. I suspect that will be his only chance to take a free kick this evening.
Little under five minutes of the half remaining and Madrid are in total control of proceedings in the Spanish capital. They continue to pass and probe outside the Celta box, but the away side have just managed to quell the threat in the last few moments as Bellvis clears a dangerous Ronaldo cross.
Handbags between the two sets of players as Madrid fume with Celta's decision not to put the ball out with Benzema injured on the ground. Meanwhile, Sergio Ramos picks up a yellow card in the process. Celta had no reason to put the ball out of play, it was not a head injury. Finally the referee does indeed manage to calm things.
SAVE! Wonderful double save from the Celta goalkeeper as he twice denies Benzema with efforts from close range. It was wonderful build-up from Madrid, but the Frenchman could not convert with the goal gaping. It really should be 3-0 to Jose Mourinho's side.
Mallo has picked up a problem here with the young defender going over on his ankle. It does not appear that he will be able to continue. Indeed he cannot as Roberto Lago comes onto the field in the final moments of the half.
HALF-TIME: Real Madrid 2-0 Celta Vigo (3-2 on aggregate)
So there we have it. A first-half double from Ronaldo is enough to hand Madrid a 2-0 lead at the interval. As it stands, they would advance to the next round to face Valencia. But you get the feeling that this tie is far from over.
With the score as it stands at half-time, it does appear strange that Celta top scorer Iago Aspas was not picked to start. Surely he will be introduced in the second period. Park and Krohn-Dehli have really struggled to exert any sort of influence.
In terms of the Madrid bench, they have an embarrassing array of riches. Gonzalo Higuain will surely be introduced at some point as he continues to recover from a long-term injury, while Kaka is another favourite of Mourinho in this competition. One thing is for certain, the match is so delicately poised.
Just a reminder that the only way that this match can go into extra-time is if Celta score in the second period without a reply. It is difficult to see that situation transpiring with the invention in the Madrid team. Ronaldo suffered disappointment in the Ballon d'Or on Monday, but he has been wonderful this evening.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the second period. One change at the interval with Varane replacing Alonso. A reminder that the winner of this match will face Valencia in the quarter-finals. Last year's winners Barcelona are in action tomorrow. Here we go then. Celta get the second half underway.
Celta also make an early change in the second period with Tunez being replaced by Demidov. The former picked up a yellow card later in the first period and therefore that is probably the correct decision. Slight reshuffle for Madrid with Essien moving into midfield following the introduction of Varane.
Half-chance for Celta in the early stages of the second period as Krohn-Dehli whips a dangerous cross into the Madrid penalty area, but Ramos rises highest to clear the danger. Madrid advance down the other end with Ozil, but his pass towards Ronaldo sees the Portuguese in an offside position.
Another half-chance for Madrid as Benzema dances into the penalty area before firing a low cross towards Ozil, but Bellvis clears the danger. Madrid think that they are in once more as Ronaldo finds Khedira, but the offside flag is raised. Replays have shown that the German was indeed level with the last defender. Another poor decision from the linesman.
CHANCE! It's really bright play from Krohn-Dehli as the Dane advances down the left before firing a low cross into the box, but Park just cannot make contact as the ball skids off the turf and out for a goal kick. A single goal for the away side would take the match into extra-time.
Another half-chance for Celta as De Lucas collects possession out wide before firing a cross into the box, but Ramos is on hand to clear the danger. Meanwhile, it does appear that Aspas will soon join us for the away side. Just why Paco Herrera did not start the Spanish striker is certainly a strange one.
The change is indeed made as Park - who has struggled this evening - is replaced by Aspas. There is certainly a great deal of interest in the striker. He will be keen to impress this evening with scouts in the crowd. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining and as it stands Madrid are heading to the quarter-finals.
Another half-chance for Madrid as Ronaldo drives past two challenges before firing a high cross into the box, but Alvarez comes to collect in front of Benzema. Not too many clear chances in this second period thus far. But there are signs that Celta are confident of opening their tally.
Madrid continue to pass and probe outside the Celta penalty area, but have struggled to find that elusive final pass in the final third. You can almost sense a nervousness inside the stadium each time Madrid lose possession of the ball. The next goal in this match - if there indeed is one - could ultimately decide the result of this tie.
Half-chance for Celta as Lopez wins a corner down the left. The resulting set piece is taken by Aspas, but Ramos rises highest to clear the danger. The home side have just come under a slight bit of pressure in the last couple of moments, but they have dealt with the danger well.
Slightly bitty period to the match at the moment with neither side too impressive in control of the ball. It is almost as if Madrid feel that the game is won and have therefore dropped the pace. It would not be a surprise to see Higuain in the coming minutes, Benzema has struggled to get into this match.
The change is indeed made with Higuain replacing Benzema. I could do this managerial job! Little over 20 minutes of football remaining. Just a reminder that as it stands Madrid will advance to the quarter-finals against Valencia. However, a goal for Celta at this stage would take the match into extra-time.
Half-chance for the away side as Aspas feeds De Lucas down the left, the former Chelsea striker drives into the box before firing an effort towards goal, but Casillas is across to clear for a corner. The resulting set piece is taken by Lopez, but the delivery is disappointing.
Another half-chance for the home side as Modric whips a free kick into the penalty area, but a solid header from Bellvis clears the danger. The pressure remains as the Croatian fires another cross into the box, but Ronaldo cannot make proper contact and Alvarez comes to collect.
RED CARD: Sergio Ramos: Real Madrid are reduced to 10 men as Ramos receives his second yellow card for a challenge on Fernandez. It was a crazy challenge on the midfielder. The Spaniard's disciplinary record continues to worsen. Will it cost his side?
Aspas strikes the resulting free kick, but it smashes straight into the wall. The pressure continues as Aspas forces a corner, but Arbeloa rises highest to clear the danger. It is now or never for the away wide. They will never have a better chance to beat Madrid over two legs.
Madrid have their second change of the evening as Angel di Maria replaces Ozil. Meanwhile, Mourinho has words with Modric on the sideline. Time is not on Celta's side with little over 10 minutes of football remaining, but you get the feeling that they will create chances as the half approaches its final moments.
Penalty shout for the home side as Bellvis appears to handle in the area, but the referee waves play on. Celta have a half-chance down the other end as Krohn-Dehli strikes a powerful effort from outside the box, but Casillas is equal to the danger. Will we have late drama in the Spanish capital?
Celta continue to threaten with three corners in quick succession, but Madrid hang on with Carvalho and Varane both clearing the danger. Bellvis has a long strike moments later, but it was always moving high of the crossbar. Madrid have Casillas to thank for a couple of key saves in that last attack.
It's wonderful play from Ronaldo as the Portuguese picks up possession before driving down the left, but he is stopped in his tracks by Bellvis. The resulting set piece finds the head of Varane in the box, but the Frenchman cannot direct his effort on target. Little over five minutes of football remaining and Madrid lead on the night and indeed in the tie.
Celta continue to flood forward with Aspas playing down the middle for the final moments of this match. However, Casillas continues to use his six seconds in order to take the sting out of the match. Celta need to score in order to take this match into an additional 30 minutes. But Madrid have possession with little under five minutes remaining.
Arbeloa wins a free kick for his side down the left as the seconds and minutes continue to drift away in the match. It has not been the prettiest of performance from Madrid, but they are close to getting the job done. It's all about keeping possession as we enter the final moments.
GOAL! Real Madrid 3-0 Celta Vigo (Ronaldo)
Ronaldo wraps up the victory as he drives into the Celta penalty area before thumping his effort into the back of the net. He has been the standout player this evening. Madrid will indeed face Valencia in the next stage of the competition.
GOAL! Real Madrid 4-0 Celta Vigo (Khedira)
Madrid have their fourth of the evening and second in quick succession as Khedira drives into the penalty box before rolling his effort into the back of the net. That is certainly game, set and match. It is not a 4-0 match.
The fourth official indicated that we will play an additional two minutes of added time and we are into the second of those. The match has just turned in the latter stages of this half. Madrid have been devastating on the counter attack.
FULL-TIME: Real Madrid 4-0 Celta Vigo (5-2 on aggregate)
So there we have it. Madrid book their spot in the quarter-finals with a 4-0 win over Celta Vigo. 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
