Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior were on target in extra-time to hand Real Madrid a 3-1 win over rivals Atletico Madrid, securing a spot in the Copa Del Rey semi-finals.
Atletico took the lead through Alvaro Morata after 19 minutes but Rodrygo’s solo goal and slick finish put Madrid level with 11 minutes remaining, taking the game to extra time.
The derby clash however turned against Diego Simeone’s side in the additional period when defender Stefan Savic was sent off handing Real Madrid an advantage.
Benzema and Vinicius Junior found the net in the extra time sending Real Madrid through to the final four for the first time since 2019.
“Today we had a very difficult game but with the character and the players that we have, we were able to turn it around,” Benzema told Teledeporte.
“Suffering is not good — we have to score the goals earlier.”
Atletico, hitting their best form of the season, conjured a brilliant move to break the deadlock, with Morata tapping home after Koke’s dink allowed Nahuel Molina to stroke a first-time cross to the back post.
Real Madrid were however handed another injury blow when Ferland Mendy had to be replaced before half-time, with Eduardo Camavinga settling at left back and Dani Ceballos coming on at Midfield.