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.<\/p>
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 Mbapp\u00e9 (37) and Brazilian Vin\u00edcius J\u00fanior (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.<\/p>
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 G\u00fcler also stood out, providing two assists.<\/p>
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 Atl\u00e9tico Madrid by one point (44 vs. 43) in the league standings.<\/p>
Elsewhere in the Copa del Rey, <\/strong>Osasuna eliminated defending champions Athletic Bilbao with an electrifying 3-2 win at \"San Mam\u00e9s,\" while Real Sociedad defeated Rayo Vallecano 3-1 to secure their spot in the quarterfinals.<\/p> On Wednesday, other quarterfinalists were decided: Barcelona thrashed Real Betis 5-1, Legan\u00e9s overcame second-division Almer\u00eda 3-2, Getafe edged third-tier Pontevedra 1-0, Atl\u00e9tico Madrid routed second-division Elche 4-0, and Valencia defeated third-division Ourense 2-0.<\/p> Justified Boos<\/strong><\/p> Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti addressed the boos from fans at \"Santiago Bernab\u00e9u,\" calling them \"acceptable\" and a way to \"draw attention.\"<\/p> \"The boos were meant to grab attention, and when the match became complicated, they supported us. When the Bernab\u00e9u pushes us, it\u2019s something special,\" Ancelotti said in a post-match press conference.<\/p> He added: \"This seems acceptable to me after what happened with Barcelona (the 5-2 defeat). The team reacted well, especially Frenchman Aur\u00e9lien Tchouam\u00e9ni, who had a great match.\"<\/p> Tchouam\u00e9ni 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) Modri\u0107 and Dani Ceballos.\"<\/p> Ancelotti expressed regret over the individual mistakes that led to conceding two goals, which forced the match into extra time.<\/p> He continued: \"When the match was close to ending, we gifted them two goals. But the team\u2019s reaction in extra time was good.\"<\/p> 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.\"<\/p> He added: \"As for Arda G\u00fcler, he came on when the match was getting tough and showed his character.\"<\/p> On the penalty appeal by Celta Vigo following a challenge by goalkeeper Andriy Lunin on one of their players, he replied: \"I didn\u2019t see it.\"<\/p> When asked about substituting Vin\u00edcius J\u00fanior for the second consecutive match, he explained: \"I substituted him to take advantage of Rodrygo\u2019s energy.\"<\/p> Addressing a question about French star Kylian Mbapp\u00e9\u2019s gesture to the fans to stop booing after scoring his goal, he clarified: \"I don\u2019t 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.\"<\/p>
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