Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid summary: score, goals and highlights | Copa del Rey 2023
Never ever doubt Real Madrid
It was a cold night in the capital, but the Copa del Rey match between fierce city rivals Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid was most definitely heated. From the moment a ball was kicked the Rojiblanco put on a dogged display of counter attacking football and were rightly rewarded with a goal following some lovely buildup play. It was Alvaro Morata, a former Real Madrid player who did the honors and you could tell by his celebration he relished it.
Sadly, what looked to be the makings of a historic win for the visitors, began to unravel in the second half. The first warning sign came when the other Brazilian starlet, Rodrygo, leveled the score with an outrageous solo run. At that point, it was clear Madrid were in the ascendancy, but it was Atleti who compounded their problems with an expulsion. Already on a yellow card, following a cynical challenge on Vinicius Jr., veteran defender StefanSavic took the decision to hack down Camavinga. The referee of course, wasted no time in giving the Montenegrin his marching orders and just like that, they were down to 10 men. All the visitors could do at that point, was mitigate threats as they headed for extra time. Once there, you could see where things were going as the Rojiblanco began to tire.
Indeed, it came as no surprise when Balon d'Or winner, Karim Benzema, slotted home the calmest of finishes. Indeed, by the time Vinicius Jr. contributed a classy third goal, the visiting side was spent and the semi final spot was secure. Though some will argue Atleti were unfortunate to be reduced to 10, the truth is that as much as they were able to limit Madrid, they were never truly able to impose themselves on their opponents and once again, Madrid showed why it's never a good idea to count them out.
With that, we'd like to wish you a good night from all of us here at AS USA and we'd like to thank you joining us for our live coverage of Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals. Goodnight!
The Brazilian was the target of some vile abuse from some rival fans, but had a strong capital message in response.
Vinicius Jr. is the gift that keeps giving
What can we say about the Brazilian? By now you've probably seen the ugly scenes that were witness prior to kickoff, with some of Atleti's fans hanging a caricature of the player from a bridge in the city. To be clear, this isn't the first time that the Brazilian has had issue with the Rojiblanco fans.
Yet, Vini did what he does best, show character, entertain and score goals. It was somewhat fitting to see him score the goal that truly put the tie to bed. With that the Merengues move on to the Copa del Rey semi finals, while Atleti will be left to lick their wounds and reflect on what could have been.
Karim Benzema with a classy contribution
Though it wasn't his most prolific performance, the Frenchman was key in a number of ways. From his link play, to ball retention he was a class act on the night and rightly got his name on the scoresheet with a clever goal.
That's a wrap folks. It's Real Madrid with a 3-1 win against city rivals, Atletico Madrid. To the semifinals of the 2023 Copa del Rey they go and rightly so.
And that's a wrap. After a long run, Vinicius Jr. combines with Benzema to put the game to bed. 3-1 to Real Madrid and a spot in the semifinals secured.
We've got 2 more minuntes of stoppage time in extra time.
With a minute and a half left, one has to feel this is it and worse yet, Vinicius has robbed Nahuel. Despite the back and forth, the ball finally falls to Oblak. We're in the final minute of the match now.
Militao makes a critical stop on Carasco, the Belgian was attempting to work his way into the box from the left side. Cortois restarts it with a goal kick.
With just five minutes left in this one, things are starting to look grim for Atleti, but they continue to fight on. Depay gets a fortunate bounce off of a deflected pass, but his volley goes wide.
Vinicius Jr. takes his leave to the sound of a standing ovation, but then realizes that it's not him that's going off. Instead it appears to be a limping Rodrygo and Nacho who will go out. In their place comes Martin and Odriazola.
Madrid have understandably settled into a slower pace of play, but make no mistake, they're still looking for another goal.
Atleti continue to fight on despite being down one player. To the left side they go with a great ball to Carasco. The Belgian attempts to find Depay in the box but his cross is cleared. They will go again.
Just joining us?
If you've just come in, it's been an intense affair in the capital city. Atletico Madrid took the lead in the first half through a well-worked Alvaro Morata goal, but as is their way, Real Madrid came roaring back in the second with a stunning solo goal from their young Brazilian star, Rodrygo.
The second half was a cagey one, and that was definitely evidenced when Savic picked up his second yellow and was sent off. To extra time we went and it was there in the first half of the extra period, that Balon d'Or winner Karim Benzema made his presence felt with the go ahead goal. To the second half of extra-time we go! Stay with us!
Atleti try the left side and almost find some benefit, but they are forced back to their own defense. Down the right they go and as luck would have it, they now have a corner. Cortois is barking orders.
We're off and running in the second half of extra time.
That's it for the first half of extra time. It's going to be an intense second half. Stay with us.
Welcome Welcome Welcome
Before we get into it, let's give you a warm welcome from us here on AS USA. It's the 2023 Spanish Cup and we've got a quarterfinal clash between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. That's right! It's a Madrid derby but in knockout format, which is to say things are going to be intense.
What's even better, or worse depending on how you look at it, is that some of Atleti's so called 'Ultras' have added an extra element to the evening's proceedings. The man at the center of it is a player the Rojiblanco faithful love to hate. A Brazilian maestro, probably one of the best young talents in the world, the ever-tricky Vinicius Jr.. Indeed, just yesterday some of Atleti's fans - the not so desirable kind - saw fit to hang a caricature of the Brazilian from a Madrid bridge. Needless to say, that kind of behavior has no place in sport. If their teams gets a beating, one will have to feel justice is done.
None the less, WELCOME once again and with that, enjoy the show!
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What's happened so far?
- The score is 1-1.
- Mendy substituted after injury.
- Atletico Madrid lead 1-0 through Alvaro Morata goal
- Madrid equalize through sensational solo goal from Rodrygo.
- Regular time has ended and so we go to extra time to sort this one out.
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Atleti and their fans will feel hard done, but they've simply run out of gas here. That being said, there's still quite a bit of time in this one and as we all know, anything can happen.
And it's 2-1 to Madrid! Who scored? Karim Benzema that's who! The stadium erupts as the Frenchman gets his goal. IT was a well-worked play, but there was an element of luck to it as the low cross across the box was inadvertently deflected by Vinicius' miskick, into the path of the waiting Benzema.
A decent attack from Nahuel down the right side, leads to a shot for the Argentine, but he can't get enough heat on it to make it burn. Cortois smothers it comfortably.
Down to ten men and little fuel, Atleti have got to dig deep here. Madrid on the other hand, continue to press.
That's it for Savic. This time it was Camavinga down the left side and the veteran defender was left with no choice, but to make a challenge. He makes no protest and takes his leave, while Madrid are left with a dangerous free kick from the left side.
The resulting free kick is cleared by Atleti's defense and MAdrid will have a throw. Things are getting tight now. Needless to say, there is no margin for error now.
Vincius Jr. takes Savic for another run and the Croatian doesn't like it. The pair have an aggressive exchange and for their troubles are both booked
Asensio gets in on the act, but his cross is blocked and Oblak will attempt to calm things down. It's becoming more apparent that Atleti are beginning to run out of steam. That's not good.
Vinicius sends Savic to talk with the fans after an unreal piece of skill. Madrid will ahve a corner. Rudiger rises to meet it but his header goes wide. Atleti fans breathe a cumulative sigh of relief. Oblak to restart
It's all hands on deck for Atleti now as Madrid continues to possess the ball. The dance is finally broken up and Atleti break through Depay who promptly gives away the ball.Simeone is not pleased on the sideline.
Griezman was taken out before we started again and Pablo Barrios took his place.
Off we go again!. It's the first half of extra time, which means we've got two 15-minute periods before we will need penalties to separate the sides. That's assuming nobody scores of course. It's 1-1 here in the Copa del Rey quarterfinal. Stay with us!
The referee has blown his whistle and that's it folks. We're going to extra time here in this quarterfinal of the Copa del Rey. It's Madrid 1 and Atleti 1. Stay with us!
We're in the last 30 seconds of the game now. As it stands, we're heading to extra time here in the captial.
Madrid break through Benzema, who plays to Militao and they actually manage to carve an opportunity, but in the end Atleti's defense is up to the task. This game has had some of everything.
Oblak claims it and tries to kill some time. It would appear that both teams are content with going to extra time, but Madrid will surely try to have the last say in regular time.
From the corner, Depay is able to have another shot, but this one is much less threatening. Madrid maintain possession and here we go again.
Great skills from Depay who dribbles past Modric who looks the wrong way. The Dutchman gets off a shot but Cortois is able to palm it out for a corner.
We're in the final minute of the game and we're going to have 5 minutes of stoppage time.
Madrid work the ball to the left where Vincius Jr. waits. The Brazilian uses a deft piece of skill that leaves Nahuel reflecting on his life decisions, but it's to no avail, the ball is clear and Atleti break.
We've got 2 minutes before stoppage time and it's Madrid who are pressing. You can see that the Atleti players are tired now. They would do well to slow the tempo of the game.
Madrid continue to ply and probe, while Atleti, somewhat tired now, continue to hold on.
Madrid definitely have their tails up at the moment, such that Atleti will need to watch themselves if they want to make it to extra time. Remember, if the score stays as it is, we'll be heading to two extra periods of 15 minutes, before penalties.
Griezman is played through but is adjudged to be offside. At any rate, the shot with which he attempted to put a hole in the net, went wide.
Rodrygo's goal was something to see
The young Brazilian's impact was instantaneous!
Saul enters for Rodrigo DePaul and Koke leaves for Kondogbia
And just like that! A solo run from Rodrygo ends in the Brazilian entering the box and placing the ball into the net with the outside of his right boot. We're tied at 1-1 and we now have a game on our hands!
Griezman has without doubt been the best player on the field tonight. The manner in which the Frenchman has led the line is something to behold. From his defensive work, to starting the counters, to holding the ball in the forward line when there was no help.
Vinicius is released down the left but runs out of room. Oblak will have a goal kick.
Depay combines well with Griezman and the ball is worked to DePaul on the right, but his pass for Nahuel is just too long and Madrid will have a goal kick.
Atleti once again break in the cleanest of ways, with some intricate one touch passing. The move is finally halted by some resolute defending from Madrid. We continue at 1-0
Atleti make two changes with Depay entering for Correa and Carasco changing places with Lemar.
What could have actually been a sensational goal goes begging. From the corner DePaul was able to cross the ball back into the box, where Witzel was found free and attempted a bicycle, unfortunately, it was missing a wheel.
An absolute belter from Griezman, but the Belgian keeper is able to parry it over the bar. We've got a corner.
Cortois is visibly nervous as Atleti prepare for their freekick. Ceballos is on the ground behind the wall.
A beautiful play sets Griezman on his way to goal alone, but he's finally forced to cut back and wait for assistance which ends in a DePaul cross and finally a foul on Lemar just outside the area. Freekick Atleti.
Rodrygo enters for Valverde.
Camavinga is released into the box on the left side but his cross is blocked. Benzema then has the follow up, but that too is blocked and Atleti break. Correa is immediately fouled and Ceballos is booked for his troubles.
A big shout from the home crowd for a foul on Camavinga, after the Frenchman had made a decent run through midfield, but in the end the referee decided it was a dive. On we go.
Vinicius Jr. cuts in off the left side and has a shot at goal, but it was closer to hitting a camera man, than it was to the goal itself.
Atleti keep plugging away, it has to be said. Now with a throw from the right side, they attempt to take a little bit of air out of the game, but are dispossessed by Valverde who in turn passes the ball to nobody.Madrid recover.
A great cross from Valverde, but Benzema just fails to make contact with the ball in front of the goal
The MAdrid faithful have nothing but whistles for Morata as he leaves the field. The former Madrid and Juventus forward only pokes at them more as he claps and smiles while leaving. It's the Belgian Alex Witzel who takes his place.
Atleti's Hermoso receives a card for a blocking foul on a breaking Vinicius Jr.. In truth he had no other option, or it would have been the Brazilian in one on one with the keeper.
Griezman leads the charge down the right side, but Morata to whom he plays the ball is thwarted by Camavinga.
Vinicius Jr. commits a silly foul as Atleti attempt to break through Koke. Once again the visitors display their ability to take on immense pressure.
The referee will need to bring some calm to this affair as both teams are beginning to lose the plot a bit. There are fouls being called on either side and needless ones at that. Needless to say the crowd is contributing as well.
What a stop from Oblak. After clever work from the homeside, the Atleti defense was finally unlocked which allowed Nacho the shot. At that point the visitors were at sea and could only watch as Vinicius Jr. did them a favor by failing to control the ball in front of the goal. They can breathe a sigh of relief.
Morata earning stripes there as he tracked back to dispossess Militao. The Spaniard appears to have shaken off his earlier knock and as such, Memphis Depay must wait.
Madrid appear to have more purpose now and are not simply playing the ball left-to-right in front of a dogged defense. For the moment Atleti seem up to the task, but Madrid is definitely getting closer as evidenced by the nice one-two which ended with a Valverde shot.
After a well-placed shot/cross from Nacho, Vinicius Jr. was almost able to flick the ball into an open net. Madrid has definitely turned up the volume. Atleti will need to slow the pace down if they don't want to be overrun
Madrid regain possession and start down the right side once more. There is definitely more pep in their step, but for the moment the score remains the same.
Kroos' cross is dealt with and Atleti survive. We've got another corner. The crowd is into it now. Kroos to take.
Madrid continue and Camavinga attempts to blasta cross into the box from the left side. I use that word because it's clearly too hard for Benzema to deal with. Atleti clear and we've got a corner.
The crowd is becoming incensed as Alvaro Morata has now called for medical attention. From an earlier collision, the Spanish international came out of it worse for wear. Memphis Depay has been sent to warm up. Could this be the Dutchman's moment?
For the moment, the game has the same look as it did in the first half. That's to say, Madrid probing without success and Atleti closing all channels while waiting for a counter opportunity.
After a decent run down the left by Vinicius Jr., the Brazilia goes to ground, but the manner in which he looks at the referee suggests he was looking for contact. The ref let's him know that kind of behavior won't be allowed. He'll have to watch himself now.
Off we go! Madrid get us rolling once again and they will be hoping things don't go the way they did in the first half. For the moment Atletico Madrid leads by a single goal, courtesy of Alvaro Morata. Stay with me to find out if that's how this one ends.
Here we go again
The players are back on the field and we're now just 45 minutes - assuming the score stays the same - away from Atletico Madrid booking their place in the semifinals of the 2023 Copa del Rey.
Can Atletico Madrid clinch a historic win?
It's been an intense half so far and although there haven't been many highlight plays, the quality of footballing tactics on show has been something to behold.
Critics will likely accuse Madrid of playing pedestrian football, but credit must be given to the Rojiblanco who have employed a counter attacking strategy to perfection across 47 minutes of football.
Diego Simeone's men have stuck to their task without a blip as they have seamlessly transitioned from defensive formation, to free-flowing counter attacking in a heartbeat. Will we get more of the same? I certainly hope so!
Another look at Alvaro Morata's goal
The former Madrid man will no doubt have taken extra pleasure in scoring that one, after he was deemed surplus to requirements by Los Blancos a few seasons ago.
The referee has blown his whistle and that's the first half. Atleti with the 1-0 lead and 45 minutes left to play.
Camavinga surges forward with Vinicius Jr. to his left. Again, nothing doing. Atleti have almost their entire team inside their own box. New defensive formation perhaps?
There will be 2 minutes of stoppage time.
Vinicius Jr. attempts to have a go at the left side for the first time really, but the move is brought to an abrupt halt as he is promptly dispossessed. Atleti break once again.
Griezman is sandwiched between Militao and Nacho and the whistle is blown. The substitution has finally been made with Ceballos coming in to replace Mendy
What's curious here is that Madrid are playing with 10 for the moment and refuse to play the ball out, which would allow for the sub to be made. None the less, on we go.
Atleti probe once again as Madrid are hemmed in for the moment. Meanwhile the substitution awaits.
Atleti are smothering Madrid in the middle of the park, something you don't see very often. It would appear that Simeone's men have been well drilled, but there's still a lot of time left in this one.
Things just turned up a notch. After an initial blow to Hermoso, Atleti's players seemed to indicate to Griezman that the ball should be played out. The Frenchman instead launched into a counter and then lost the ball. Correa backed up his teammate with a heavy foul which was not well-received by the home fans. Mendy was the player who paid the price. Indeed, it appears he's asking to be substituted.
Though I just gave them credit, they gave up the ball in the middle of the field attempting to be too cute and then proceed to make a cynical foul on Camavinga. Madrid will restart from their defense.
Though they are playing a counter attacking game, Atleti has looked very comfortable in possession, with a number of intricate plays between their attacking players. Their strategy appears to be working to perfection for the moment.
Modric receives a strong challenge in the midfield that could have been a shout for a foul, but the referee is having none of it. On we go.
In a play that looked very similar to the one that gave them a goal, a lobbed pass was played over the defense - to the left this time - where Lemar instead of Nahuel was waiting. The Frenchmen offered a similar one touch pass, but this time there was no Morata to be found. Madrid are living dangerously.
From the resulting free kick, Kroos delivers a beauty that at first glance appeared to be heading in. Replays show it would have just missed despite initial doubts as to whether Militao blocked his teammate's attempt with his head.
Vinicius Jr. is fouled on the left side of the box. Surprisingly, for a match this heated, there have been few fouls so far.
Madrid's central defense is camped at the half line, which is to say Atleti have all 11 players in front of the ball. Can they maintain this all night? It will be something to see them try.
The two Argentines on Atleti's right side: Nahuel and DePaul are giving Madrid's left sided players a nightmare. The pair of World Cup winners are at the center of everything positive that Atleti has offered so far.
Madrid are attempting to tighten their grip, but for the moment it's a case of nothing doing. Atleti will restart with a throw from the right side of the field.
Here's a look at Morata's goal!
After such a lovely play, it would have been criminal not to score, which is probably why the Spaniard obliged. That and the semifinal spot on offer of course.
Atleti break through Correa down the right who is joined by fellow compatriot Rodrigo de Paul
The match has definitely changed complexion now, with Madrid attempting to be more vertical. Where Atleti is concerned, they've gone back to the plan which appears to be defend fiercely and look for the counter.
A beautiful play for the first goal! After a lobbed passed over the defense from Koke, the ball was played across goal with a deft one-time pass to Morata who found himself almost at the goal line, with only the ball to be guided in. 1-0 Atletico Madrid!
Madrid attempt to find space through Modric, but the Croatian plays a poor pass to Vinicius Jr. and once again Atleti break.
Correa with the first shot of the game from the right side of the box. The World-Cup winner has been active in the middle of the pitch, but that's the first time he's got forward.
What looked to be a promising counter attack came to nothing after Griezman's final ball from the left side went begging. Yet, Madrid do Atleti a favor with a bad clearance. The pressure continues
Madrid have got themselves a corner from the right side. Kroos takes but it's too deep. Atleti break through Koke.
For the moment Atleti are giving no ground. Madrid continues to dominate possession, but it is without any real danger. The Rojiblanco are doing their best Gandalf "you shall not pass" impersonation.
Modric will likely be frustrated as a pass from Vinicius Jr. which would have put him in, was not accurate. Hermoso recovers and Atleti continue on.
For the moment Madrid are content to play the ball from left-to-right in their defense, as Atleti continue to hold firm.
It's been a clinic in defensive coverage from both sides so far. Both teams have forced the other to drop their forwards deep into midfield to collect the ball. Such is the lack of space up front.
Vinicius Jr. once again, but he is thwarted once more on the left side of the box. Madrid will have a throw.
Vinicius Jr's first real action was almost decisive. After sweet interplay with Benzema the Brazilian found himself in front of Oblak's goal. If not for a last ditch tackle it would have been 1-0
Modric has dropped all the way back to the right back position. Testament to Atleti's defensive fervor.
Both teams appear to be attempting long vertical passes through the channels on the ground. Neither side has found success yet, but one has to feel those passes could be a real problem if not dealt with.
Again Atleti work the right side with Griezman and his cross into the box is dangerous but Madrid manage to clear.
Correa and Griezman combine well on the right side as they force a throw out of Madrid. Morata is the recipient and forces a corner. Lemar to take
An errtant pass from Valverde allows Atleti to regain possession. They are attempting to slow the pace of the game as they look for a gap.
We've got a corner! After a decent run from Militao, his cross is blocked for a corner. In the end it comes to nothing and Atleti attempt to work their way out.
There is a definite intensity in this match and the pace of play is high. Atleti have opted for a halfline press and a packed middle, as evidenced by Benzema having to pick up the ball in the middle of the field.
Atleti get their first taste of the ball down the left side, but Modi is unable to control a Griezman pass. Madrid will begin again with a throw.
Madrid have already show their intention to probe the right side of the field with the likes of Valverde and Militao operating down the flank.
And we're off! Both sides are wearing their traditional kits, with Real Madrid in white and Atletico Madrid in their iconic red and white striped jerseys. Atleti get us off and running.
It's Time!
The players are in t he tunnel, the stadium is full, the crowd is signing and the anthems are blaring. It's time for kickoff folks and we couldn't be more excited. It's going to be an intense affair given the kind of buildup we've had to this one.
So, sit back and let me take you through this Copa del Rey quarterfinal between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid!
Well would you look at that...
It might surprise you to know, but it's actually been quite a while since either team won the Copa del Rey and unfortunately for one of them, the wait to do so will continue once the final whistle goes tonight.
Though he may not have led them to European glory, the 'Special One' will be remember by the Madrid faithful as the man who broke FC Barcelona's strangle hold on Spanish football and the European continent itself.
They were of course contentious times, with the Portuguese coach rubbing many the wrong way, but in the end he did return Los Blancos back to their winning ways, something that will never be forgotten by those who were there.
It's almost time for kickoff!
With Kickoff now just half hour away, it looks like there may just possibly be a few people in the street.
World Cup Winner Watch
Though each one of the trio has now got the biggest prize of all in the cabinet, a FIFA World Cup winners medal, we're willing to bet that a Real Madrid scalp wouldn't be a bad addition at all.
Down to the wire
Another interesting tid-bit for you. It appears anytime these two have met in a knockout format, they just couldn't get enough of each other.
Has Atleti's time come?
While Atletico Madrid are most definitely one of the elite clubs of both Spain and Europe, they have often been overshadowed their noisy neighbors. Indeed, the last time Atleti scored a goal at the Bernabeu was back on April 8th, 2018.
To put that in perspective, that's 393 consecutive minutes at Real Madrid without scoring a single goal or if you prefer, more than four full matches scoreless. Needless to say, if ever there was a time to change that statistic, it would be right here and now on this very night.
Who's in and who's out?
Where injuries are concerned, there are actually some key absences on both sides of the divide. Where Atleti are concerned, the visitors will have to do without the services of Spanish international, Marcus Llorente. For Madrid, it's Lucas Vasquez who will be sidelined.
It's also worth mentioning that the Merengues have listed Carvajal (Muscle Injury), Hazard (Ankle Injury) and Tchouameni (Calf injury) as questionable. With that said, expect Madrid to be just as dangerous as always.
A look at Atletico Madrid's starters
New boy Memphis Depay will start on the bench, but Atleti have definitely fielded a strong 11.
Memphis in Madrid
The X Barca man is now an Atleti player, which to be fair hasn't been seen often. Now he will have a chance to introduce himself to the Rojiblanco faithful in what is arguably their biggest game each season, the tie with Real Madrid.
Real Madrid's starting 11
The Merengues have fielded a strong 11, but of course all eyes will be on Vinicius Jr. who is sure to receive a hostile welcome in the face of an already nasty situation
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In the wake of a disgusting move by some of Atletico Madrid's fans, the temperature has definitely been turned up in this one. Here's a look at the turbulent relationship that exists between the Brazilian ace and some of the less desirable Rojiblanco faithful.