Soccer
Real Madrid just escaped elimination from the Spanish Cup. The “Royals” were down 0-1 in extra time in the round of 16 against league rivals Elche on Thursday after a goalless regulation time, but in the end they were outnumbered but still had the upper hand 2-1 against the outsiders. ÖFB star David Alaba played through in central defense and prepared the decisive goal.
The extension was not to be surpassed in tension. First, Real’s Marcelo saw the red card after an unfortunate and controversial goal robbery foul. The resulting free kick made it 1-0 for Elche, who were only 15th in the championship. Gonzalo Verdu shot into the wall first, but his second attempt was deflected into his own goal by Dani Ceballos (103′).
However, the Madrilenians were undeterred and immediately hit back. This time, Ceballos took center stage on the other side of the field, and Isco converted his assist (108′). In the 115th minute, Alaba initiated the winning goal with a great pass on the side, Eden Hazard served, curved around goalkeeper Axel Werner and shot in.
The supposed equalization of the home side in the 119th minute was rightly not recognized because of a foul play. In the final phase, Elches Pere Milla saw the traffic light card. Spain’s leaders Real could celebrate again four days after the triumph in the Supercup. As the last top team, defending champions FC Barcelona want to make it into the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey at Athletic Bilbao late Thursday evening.
