Celta Vigo welcomed Real Madrid to the Balaidos on Wednesday night holding a 2-1 lead from the first leg of their Copa del Rey quarter-final.
Real Madrid had a number of chances in the first period, but Celta made it 3-1 on aggregate late in the first half when Danilo found the back of his own net.
Ronaldo struck a sensational free kick just past the hour to make it 1-1 on the night, but Daniel Wass netted a second for Celta late on as Eduardo Berizzo's side booked their spot in the semi-finals.
Lucas Vasquez levelled the scores at 2-2 late on with a close-range header, but it proved to be purely a consolation as Celta progressed.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live Copa del Rey coverage continues from the Balaidos as Celta Vigo welcome Real Madrid for the second leg of their quarter-final. Celta will enter this match with a slight advantage following their shock 2-1 victory at the Bernabeu in the first leg last week. Can Celestes hold on, or will Los Blancos turn things around here? Stay tuned for what should be a fascinating match!
Iago Aspas opened the scoring in the first leg last week, before Real Madrid hit back in the 69th minute through Marcelo. At that point, it did appear that the home side would go on to claim a first-leg advantage, but Celta had other ideas and a strike from Jonny Castro 20 minutes from time ensured that the visitors would take a narrow advantage into the return leg tonight.
Real Madrid have won 3-1 and 4-2 on each of their last two visits to this stadium, however, and both of those scores tonight would indeed be enough to see the capital giants turn things around to make the semi-finals. It is the first time that the pair have met in the Copa del Rey since the 2012-13 campaign, when Real Madrid ran out 5-2 winners on aggregate. It is delicately poised here!
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Right, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news from the Spanish capital. Both managers were expected to name full-strength XIs for this match. Has that occurred, or are there any surprise selections? Let's have a look as we build towards kickoff...
TEAMS!
CELTA: Sergio; Mallo, Cabral, Roncaglia, Jonny; Diaz, Radoja; Wass, Aspas, Bongonda; Guidetti
REAL: Casilla; Danilo, Ramos, Casemiro, Nacho; Kovacic, Kroos, Isco; Ronaldo, Benzema, Asensio
Celta boss Eduardo Berizzo has rung the changes from his team's 1-0 defeat away to Sociedad at the weekend, with John Guidetti, Iago Aspas, Theo Bongonda, Gustavo Cabral and Nemanja Radoja among those in the starting XI. Pione Sisto and Giuseppe Rossi both drop to the bench, but Sergio Alvarez keeps his spot between the sticks. Pablo Hernandez misses out tonight through suspension.
As for Real Madrid, Casemiro will seemingly start at centre-back in what is a very interesting XI. Nacho keeps his spot at the back alongside Sergio Ramos, but Raphael Varane and Marcelo both drop out. There are also starts for Mateo Kovacic and Isco in midfield, while Marco Asensio will join Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in the final third. Kiko Casilla also replaces Keylor Navas between the sticks.
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So there we have it. The two teams are in and we are now just about 40 minutes from kickoff on this mild evening in Vigo. Just a reminder that on offer tonight is a spot in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey. Real Madrid are still the favourites with the bookmakers to turn this tie around, but Celta have given themselves a real chance with their impressive result in Madrid last week.
Celta actually reached the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey last season, where they lost to Sevilla. The Sky Blues have never won this competition, but they have reached the final on three occasions – 1948, 1994 and 2001. That is in contrast to Real Madrid, who have won the Copa del Rey on 19 occasions – the last of which came in 2014 - but Los Blancos have been absent from the last two finals.
Indeed, Barcelona are the current holders of the competition having beaten Sevilla in last year's final. Barca are on course to make the semi-finals this season, while Alaves booked their final-four berth after overcoming Alcorcon on Tuesday night. Atletico Madrid are also heading into the semi-finals, with Diego Simeone's side currently 4-0 on aggregate against Eibar in the latter stages of that tie.
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Real Madrid's record-breaking winning run came to an end when they lost 2-1 at Sevilla in the league on January 15 and that defeat was followed by the 2-1 reverse at home to Celta on January 18. Zidane's side did return to winning ways with a 2-1 success over Malaga on home soil at the weekend, but they are now just one point clear of second-place Sevilla at the top of La Liga.
That said, the Madrid giants still have a game in hand over both Sevilla and Barcelona, with the latter sitting two points off the pace as things stand. Los Blancos' excellent run put them in a strong position, but they now have little room for manoeuvre at the top of the table. Their focus tonight, however, is on overcoming a Celta team that have been bang in form since late December.
Indeed, between December 22 and January 18, Celta won six straight games in all competitions. That run came to an end on Sunday with a 1-0 defeat at Sociedad in the league, but Berizzo's side will still be full of confidence tonight after such an impressive run. This season, the Sky Blues have won each of their five games in this competition and only need a draw tonight to make the semi-finals.
😍 CEL-TIS-MO 🏆#CeltaRealMadrid #CopaDelRey pic.twitter.com/PjnxQoAz8X — RC Celta (@rccelta_oficial) January 25, 2017
In terms of what is ahead for both of these teams, Celta will return to La Liga action with a trip to Leganes at the weekend, before again welcoming Real Madrid, this time in the league, on February 5. As things stand, Berizzo's side are eighth in Spain's top flight – four points behind sixth-place Villarreal.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, will return to league action with a home game against Sociedad this weekend, before as mentioned visiting Celta in the league on February 5. Then comes a trip to Osasuna on February 11, before the Madrid giants host Napoli in the first leg of their last-16 clash in the Champions League on February 15. It is a big few weeks for Los Blancos, starting tonight.
RESULT! Atletico have booked their spot in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey after drawing 2-2 at Eibar tonight. Diego Simeone's side are through 5-2 on aggregate, joining Alaves in the final four. The fourth quarter-final will take place at Camp Nou tomorrow as Barcelona welcome Real Sociedad.
Nosotros ya estamos preparados. ¿Y vosotros? ¡#HalaCelta! #CeltaRealMadrid #CopaDelRey pic.twitter.com/GFG1z7S2qL
— RC Celta (@rccelta_oficial) January 25, 2017
Here we go then - both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the first period in Vigo. Celta lead 2-1 on aggregate, but you just sense that they will need to score tonight in order to stand a chance of progressing. We are all set for a fascinating game of football in the Copa del Rey!
KICKOFF! Celta kick things off in Vigo...
... Casemiro is indeed starting at centre-back for Real Madrid tonight, which is very interesting. It has been a decent start from the visitors, who have managed to press Celta into a couple of mistakes in the opening couple of minutes. Real Madrid's first corner, however, is headed clear by Cabral.
Another corner for Real Madrid, who have started very well indeed.
Celta just cannot get out of their own half at the moment as the away side continue to pass and probe. Ronaldo is already causing Mallo some problems when he isolates the Celta full-back.
Better from Celta in the last few minutes as the home side start to enjoy some possession in the Real Madrid half of the field. Jonny has the chance to deliver from a wide area after isolating Danilo, but the right-back does well to make the block and the resulting corner is cleared down-field.
SAVE! Sergio drops down low to make a save from Isco.
You just get the feeling that the first goal tonight - if there indeed is one - could be vital tonight. Real Madrid would level the tie overall with one goal, although they would still be behind on away goals. One for Celta, however, and Berizzo's side would be a very strong position indeed.
Celta's first half-chance of the match falls to Guidetti after the striker collected a neat flick from Aspas, but his effort was always over the crossbar. Bit of a let-off for Real Madrid there.
Both managers are very animated on the touchline as they look to get their point across in the early stages of this quarter-final second leg. Real Madrid made a fast start, but Celta have been much better in the last few minutes and look dangerous when Aspas and Guidetti find time and space.
Asensio looks to go on the outside of Mallo as Real Madrid threaten in a wide position, but Mallo is having none of it and makes a strong challenge to deny the talented youngster. Still goalless here.
Real Madrid seemed to have regained control of the possession once again, but they are not really creating anything at the moment. Benzema showed nice feet to create space in a wide position, but his cross was too strong for Ronaldo, before Isco failed to thread a pass into the path of Asensio.
So, 19 minutes on the clock and we are still goalless on the night and Celta 2-1 on aggregate. Just the one shot on target tonight and that came from Isco, who brought a decent save from Alvarez. It is a very competitive game all over the park as challenges and little tussles continue to occur!
Ronaldo heads a deep Isco cross over Alvarez's crossbar.
Danilo against Theo is a very interesting battle developing on Celta's right, with the two players both possessing serious pace. The home side have the chance to threaten from a corner after smart work from Wass, but the midfielder's set piece is poor and Isco can bring the ball clear once again.
Good pressure from Real Madrid in the last few minutes as they keep the ball inside Celta's half of the field, but Alvarez remains unmoved between the sticks behind a strong defensive unit.
Just a reminder that Alaves and Atletico Madrid have already booked their spot in the semi-finals of this competition. Barcelona will look to join those two and either Celta Vigo or Real Madrid when they host Real Sociedad tomorrow night, leading 1-0 from the first leg at the Anoeta last week.
CROSSBAR! Real Madrid come close to taking the lead as a mixture of Ronaldo and Cabral send the ball flying towards the Celta goal, but Alvarez pushes the ball onto the crossbar!
POST! Woodwork again for Ronaldo as the Real Madrid forward hits the post from close range. He is getting closer and Celta are looking very nervy at the back here!
Celta are just struggling to get going at the moment as Real Madrid continue to boss the possession all over the park. It does appear only a matter of time before the visitors score here.
Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining and it is still 0-0 on the night and 2-1 Celta on aggregate. I would be surprised if we had seen the last of the goals in this quarter-final, however, as Real Madrid continue to press. Not much from the likes of Aspas and Guidetti at the moment.
CHANCE! Super chance for the home side this time as Aspas breaks into the Real Madrid box and faces up to Casilla, but the attacker decides to pass towards Guidetti and Ramos is on hand to make the clearance. Both teams have had chances in the last 10 minutes.
BOOKING! Mallo (Celta) is booked for a poor tackle on Kovacic.
The referee has been busy in the last couple of minutes as both teams are guilty of a series of late challenges. The stoppages have allowed Celta to regain some control late in the first period.
Ronaldo has a long-range strike deflected wide of the post as Real Madrid threaten once again, before Ramos heads the resulting corner straight into the arms of the home side's goalkeeper Alvarez.
SAVE! Super save from Casilla to keep out a strike from Guidetti as Celta threaten down the other end. There has been some suspect defending from both teams tonight!
SAVE! Casilla drops down to keep out a strike from Diaz.
This match has really livened up in the last five minutes as Celta look to hit Real Madrid just before the half-time interval. You just get the feeling that the first goal tonight - if there indeed is one - could be vital. It is not difficult to see why Celta have been in such good form in recent months.
GOAL! Celta 1-0 Real Madrid (Danilo OG)
Celta take the lead on the night just before the end of the first period as Danilo finds the back of his own net after Guidetti's effort had been saved by Casilla. It is so unfortunate for the Real Madrid right-back, with the ball smashing against him and finding the back of the net. What a turn-up!
HALF-TIME: Celta 1-0 Real Madrid (3-1 on aggregate)
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Celta leading 1-0 on the night and 3-1 on aggregate after Danilo found the back of his own net late in the first half. It is tough on Real Madrid, who really should have opened the scoring with some very good opportunities!
STATISTICS! Real Madrid have dominated the possession with 69%, while they have had seven attempts - three of which have been on target. Celta, meanwhile, have managed three attempts on target from six shots. Just the one yellow card and that came for Celta right-back Hugo Mallo.
BENCH WATCH! Rossi, Jozabed and Sisto are all available for Celta tonight if Berizzo wishes to freshen his attack, while Real Madrid boss Zidane has Morata and Lucas in reserve. I would be very surprised if we did not see a change from the away side at the interval. They now need three goals.
RESTART! Real Madrid resume the action here...
... no changes from either side at the break, which is a surprise. I was sure that Zidane would introduce either Morata or Lucas Vasquez. Los Blancos need to score at least twice tonight.
We have not seen too much from Benzema tonight, but the Frenchman has a habit of popping up with important goals and Zidane will not replace Ronaldo. That leaves Asensio as the most likely to depart if Morata is introduced. Something needs to happen in the next 10 minutes or so here.
Aspas breaks down the right for Celta before delivering a low cross into the Real Madrid box, but there are no takers and Nacho can clear his lines. Still 3-1 Celta in this Copa del Rey quarter-final.
Celta are camped inside their own half at the moment as Real Madrid continue to pass and probe, but clear chances are very much at a premium as the home side remain tight at the back. One goal for the visitors at this stage would leave them needing just one more to force extra-time.
BOOKING! Wass (Celta) is booked for a barge on Ronaldo.
You just get the feeling that there are more goals in this match and Real Madrid are pressing hard as we head for the final 30 minutes of normal time. Los Blancos need to score at least twice.
Danilo finds space inside the Celta box and Kroos is the player to feed him, but Mallo is across to make the challenge as the home side survive what looked to be another dangerous moment.
SAVE! Alvarez keeps out a low free kick from Kroos.
Los Blancos have a free kick just outside the Celta box...
... GOAL! Celta 1-1 Real Madrid (Ronaldo)
Oh my word what a goal! Ronaldo smashes his free kick into the far corner for 1-1!
Half-chance for the home side this time as Diaz carries the ball to the edge of the Real Madrid box, but his effort was always flying over the crossbar. Celta still lead this tie 3-2 on aggregate.
Little over 20 minutes of normal time remaining and Celta just cannot seem to get out of their own half at the moment as they continue to drop deeper and deeper. Kroos has the chance to threaten from a free kick in a wide position, but Ramos heads the resulting set piece wide of the post.
Benzema sends one wide of the post as Celta ride their luck once again.
CLOSE! Ronaldo hits another free kick just wide of the far post.
Still no movement on either bench at the moment. Neither manager is blinking, but we are entering the stage of the match where both will be considering changes. Celta still have their lead overall.
BOOKING! Jonny (Celta) is booked for a barge on Ronaldo.
Guidetti continues to run the line for Celta, but you get the feeling that the big striker is tiring and we could see a change in the next few minutes. Not too much from the home side going forward at the moment, but Real Madrid have wobbled when their defence has been tested in this match.
Aspas sends a long-range effort wide of the post as Celta look to score a second.
BOOKING! Danilo (Real Madrid) is booked for a poor tackle on Diaz.
Little over 10 minutes of normal time remaining and the score is still 1-1 on the night and 3-2 Celta on aggregate. Not too much from Real Madrid in the last few minutes as Celta enjoy some possession, but clear chances are few and far between. I sense some late drama in this one!
REAL MADRID SUB! Lucas replaces Asensio for the away side.
Danilo looks to deliver a low cross into the Celta box, but Alvarez is alive to the danger and makes the claim. Real Madrid have little over five minutes of normal time to rescue this tie.
CELTA SUB! Jozabed replaces Guidetti for the home side.
GOAL! Celta 2-1 Real Madrid (Wass)
That should do it! Celta have their third on the night as Wass feeds one into the bottom corner after more poor defending from Real Madrid. That should be their spot in the semi-finals secure!
It is going to be another defeat for Real Madrid during a difficult period for Los Blancos.
REAL MADRID SUB! Mariano replaces Casemiro for Real Madrid.
CELTA SUB! Gomez replaces Wass for the home side.
GOAL! Celta 2-2 Real Madrid (Vasquez)
Surely not! Vasquez heads home at the far post and we are now 2-2 in this match!
We are into the second of four additional minutes here!
CELTA SUB! Aspas is replaced by Fontas in the home side's final change.
SAVE! Casilla keeps out a close-range header from Jozabed!
FULL-TIME: Celta 2-2 Real Madrid (4-3 on aggregate)
So there we have it. Full-time at the Balaidos tonight. Celta book their spot in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey with a 4-3 aggregate win over the mighty Real Madrid. What a game of football! Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the live action once again! See you again soon!
