KARIM BENZEMA AND Vinicius Junior’s extra-time strikes earned Actual Madrid a 3-1 win over rivals Atletico Madrid on Thursday to succeed in the Copa del Rey semi-finals.
The spiky, gripping derby conflict turned towards Diego Simeone’s aspect within the further interval when defender Stefan Savic was despatched off.
Atletico took the lead by Alvaro Morata after 19 minutes however Rodrygo’s sensational slalom run previous three defenders and slick end pulled Madrid degree with 11 minutes remaining.
After Savic’s 99th minute pink card, Benzema tucked residence from Marco Asensio’s cross and Vinicius netted on the demise to ship Los Blancos by to the ultimate 4 for the primary time since 2019.
The build-up to the derby was tainted when a crude effigy of Vinicius was hung from a bridge close to Actual Madrid’s coaching floor, which the membership described as “a disgusting act of racism, xenophobia and hatred.”
Madrid followers had deliberate to sing Vinicius’ identify in help within the twentieth minute, matching his shirt quantity, however have been surprised into silence by Morata’s objective moments earlier than.
Atletico, hitting their finest type of the season, conjured an excellent transfer to interrupt the impasse, with Morata tapping residence after Koke’s dink allowed Nahuel Molina to stroke a first-time cross to the again put up.
Eder Militao may need equalised however headed over from point-blank vary, the ball deflecting barely behind his leap to make the prospect more durable.
Antoine Griezmann was transferring with freedom between the strains, relishing his new deeper position and pulling the strings for Atletico as they dominated the primary half.
Madrid added one other identify to a protracted damage listing when Ferland Mendy had to get replaced earlier than half-time, with Eduardo Camavinga slotting in at left again and Dani Ceballos approaching.
Together with accidents for Dani Carvajal, David Alaba and Lucas Vazquez, it left Madrid with none pure full backs.
Benzema was not distant from reaching Fede Valverde’s flick-on from Nacho’s drive, as Madrid began the second half strongly.
Jan Oblak produced a advantageous save to disclaim the French ahead, with Vinicius unable to react shortly sufficient to complete from the rebound.
On the different finish, Axel Witsel despatched an overhead kick narrowly huge and Thibaut Courtois tipped a vicious Griezmann free kick over as Atletico tried and did not kill off the sport.
Rodrygo levelled with 11 minutes to go together with his jinking solo effort and refined near-post end, taking the sport to extra-time.
Atletico defender Savic foolishly handed Madrid the sting when he was despatched off for 2 yellow playing cards in two minutes.
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The primary got here throughout an argument with Vinicius and the second for fouling Camavinga.
Madrid instantly started to capitalise when Vinicius crossed for Antonio Rudiger, who headed narrowly huge.
Benzema struck lethally after 104 minutes when Vinicius miskicked Marco Asensio’s cross and the ball travelled by to the striker.
Madrid, who final received the Copa del Rey in 2014, saved Atletico at bay within the closing quarter-hour earlier than Vinicius dribbled by and fired residence to clinch the victory.
Earlier Athletic Bilbao received 3-1 at Valencia to affix report 31-time winners Barcelona and Osasuna in Monday’s semi-final draw.
– © AFP 2023
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