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Real Madrid Eliminates Celta Vigo Thanks to their Young Stars

Real Madrid advanced to the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey with a thrilling 5-2 victory over Celta Vigo after extra time in the Round of 16.

The Royal Club played their first match since the overwhelming 5-2 loss to arch-rival Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final last week in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Real took a commanding 2-0 lead with goals from Frenchman Kylian Mbappé (37) and Brazilian Vinícius Júnior (48). However, Celta Vigo stunned the hosts with two late strikes from Ivorian Jonathan Bamba (83) and Marcos Alonso (90+1, via penalty) to force extra time.

Real Madrid responded emphatically in the second extra-time period, netting three goals. Young Brazilian Andrick (108, 119) and Uruguayan Federico Valverde (112) delivered the decisive blows, with both substitutes making an impact. Turkish talent Arda Güler also stood out, providing two assists.

Following their qualification, “Los Merengues” will return to La Liga action against Las Palmas on Sunday. Real Madrid, the defending Spanish and European champions, currently trail Atlético Madrid by one point (44 vs. 43) in the league standings.

Elsewhere in the Copa del Rey, Osasuna eliminated defending champions Athletic Bilbao with an electrifying 3-2 win at “San Mamés,” while Real Sociedad defeated Rayo Vallecano 3-1 to secure their spot in the quarterfinals.

On Wednesday, other quarterfinalists were decided: Barcelona thrashed Real Betis 5-1, Leganés overcame second-division Almería 3-2, Getafe edged third-tier Pontevedra 1-0, Atlético Madrid routed second-division Elche 4-0, and Valencia defeated third-division Ourense 2-0.

Justified Boos

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti addressed the boos from fans at “Santiago Bernabéu,” calling them “acceptable” and a way to “draw attention.”

“The boos were meant to grab attention, and when the match became complicated, they supported us. When the Bernabéu pushes us, it’s something special,” Ancelotti said in a post-match press conference.

He added: “This seems acceptable to me after what happened with Barcelona (the 5-2 defeat). The team reacted well, especially Frenchman Aurélien Tchouaméni, who had a great match.”

Tchouaméni faced the loudest boos from the fans but received significant support from Ancelotti, who said: “He has a big personality. He returned to his position and helped the team, especially in defense. He recovered many balls, supported the center-backs, and was effective in pressing. He also assisted (Croatian Luka) Modrić and Dani Ceballos.”

Ancelotti expressed regret over the individual mistakes that led to conceding two goals, which forced the match into extra time.

He continued: “When the match was close to ending, we gifted them two goals. But the team’s reaction in extra time was good.”

Regarding the two goals scored by Andrick, Ancelotti said: “He showed his quality. As a striker, when given a chance in front of goal, he demonstrates exceptional finishing.”

He added: “As for Arda Güler, he came on when the match was getting tough and showed his character.”

On the penalty appeal by Celta Vigo following a challenge by goalkeeper Andriy Lunin on one of their players, he replied: “I didn’t see it.”

When asked about substituting Vinícius Júnior for the second consecutive match, he explained: “I substituted him to take advantage of Rodrygo’s energy.”

Addressing a question about French star Kylian Mbappé’s gesture to the fans to stop booing after scoring his goal, he clarified: “I don’t know. What I see is a player who has returned to his best form, is consistent, and has helped us a lot. He can continue to do so in the upcoming matches.”

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