Real Madrid defeated Villarreal 2-3, after a second half comeback that saw them score three goals to fight back from 2-0 down. The defending La Liga champions were in a very precarious position, and could have had a repeat of their game only a couple weeks ago.
But this time, they were able to turn things around and earn the much-needed win to progress to the next round of the Copa del Rey.
Real Madrid complete 3-goal turnaround against Villarreal
The hosts took the lead early through Etienne Capoue, who converted within four minutes. Samuel Chukwueze doubled their lead shortly before half time, adding yet another assist for Gerard Moreno in the game.
However, Dani Ceballos and Marco Asansol were key to the win for Carlo Ancelotti’s men. Ceballos assisted Vinicius Jr for their first goal seconds after coming on, while Eder Militao equalised by tapping the ball into an empty net, after Karim Benzema’s header.
Villarreal had lost the dominant spark they had in the first half at that point, and it seemed certain that Real Madrid would find the winning goal. The two substitutes combined for the third and decisive goal, with Ceballos netting the winner.
The draw for the forthcoming round of the Copa del Rey has been made. And Real Madrid will be facing their local rivals, Atletico Madrid, in a highly anticipated Madrid derby.