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Copa del Rey | Round Five

Jan 9, 2013 at 8.30pm UK

Real Madrid
4-0
Celta Vigo

Match Analysis: Real Madrid 4-0 Celta Vigo (Madrid advance 5-2 on aggregate)

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 09 January 2013

Sports Mole dissects the action as Real Madrid book their spot in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey with a 4-0 win over Celta Vigo.

Real Madrid booked their spot in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey with a 4-0 win over Celta Vigo on Wednesday.

A Cristiano Ronaldo double in the first half moved Madrid 3-2 ahead in the tie, but both sides had chances to add to the scoring.

Madrid added gloss to the scoreline in the latter stages, however, as Ronaldo added his third and Sami Khedira finished from close range.

The home side advance courtesy of a 5-2 aggregate score, and will face Valencia in the next round.

Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two Spanish clubs.

Was the result fair?

On the balance of play, you would have to say yes. Madrid started the match in impressive fashion as they moved ahead through Ronaldo. Meanwhile, their second of the evening allowed them to settle and play their football. Celta had a few chances to open their tally, especially in the second period, but they just could not find that decisive touch.

Real Madrid's performance

Madrid were impressive in the opening period as they stormed into a 2-0 lead courtesy of a double from Ronaldo. It could and perhaps should have been more with Karim Benzema and Mesut Ozil both coming close, but Celta managed to keep the score at two at the interval. The chances dried up in the second period, but their pace on the counter allowed them to add another two in the latter stages.

Celta Vigo's performance

The decision not to start Iago Aspas will be called into question, especially with Celta struggling for any sort of attacking threat in the first half of football. They certainly improved after the interval, but never really gave the impression that they were capable of taking the tie into extra time, before collapsing in the final couple of minutes.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Cristiano Ronaldo: Ronaldo suffered disappointment in the Ballon d'Or earlier this week, but he did not let it show this evening with three wonderful goals. Whether or not he is the best player in the world is open to debate, but he is certainly Madrid's key man.

Biggest gaffe

The linesman did not enjoy the best of evenings. Ronaldo was twice ruled offside in the opening period despite being a yard onside on each occasion. Meanwhile, Khedira was on the end of a couple of poor decisions in the second period. Madrid boss Jose Mourinho certainly let his feelings on the matter known.

Referee performance

Miguel Ayza had a fairly straightforward 90 minutes of action this evening. He was prepared to let the play flow in the correct areas and did not bow under pressure from the home supporters. However, he perhaps should have dismissed Andres Tunez for a challenge on Ronaldo in the first period.

What next?

Real Madrid: Madrid are back in league action away to Osasuna on Saturday before facing a tough trip to the Mestalla to face Valencia the following Sunday.

Celta Vigo: Celta also return to league action this weekend with a trip to Espanyol on Saturday. They then travel to Champions League outfit Malaga one week later.