Copa del Rey Thriller: Endrick’s Brilliance Saves Real Madrid in Extra Time Against Celta Vigo
Copa del Rey Thriller: Endrick’s Brilliance Saves Real Madrid in Extra Time Against Celta Vigo
Madrid, Spain: Brazilian teenage sensation Endrick announced his arrival in style, scoring twice in extra time to save Real Madrid from a shocking Copa del Rey exit against Celta Vigo. The Santiago Bernabeu witnessed a nervy but thrilling 5-2 victory on Thursday evening, with Los Blancos eventually overpowering the visitors after a series of dramatic twists.
Dominance Turned Chaos
Carlo Ancelotti’s side began brightly but endured a chaotic finish to regular time. For the first 80 minutes, Real Madrid displayed control and attacking flair, with Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Jr leading the charge. However, a lapse in concentration allowed Celta Vigo to claw back into the game with two late goals, forcing extra time.
Mbappé Shines Again
Mbappé opened the scoring in the 37th minute with a brilliant solo effort, showcasing why he remains one of the most feared attackers in world football. Shortly after halftime, he combined beautifully with Brahim Diaz, setting up Vinicius Jr for Madrid’s second goal. Despite the Frenchman’s brilliance, he missed key chances that could have sealed the game earlier.
Late Drama and Extra Time Heroics
Eduardo Camavinga’s costly error gifted Jonathan Bamba a goal, and a last-minute penalty converted by Marcos Alonso pushed the game into extra time. What followed was pure magic from 18-year-old Endrick.
The Brazilian forward smashed in a stunning winner in the 105th minute, pivoting on the edge of the box before unleashing an unstoppable shot. Minutes later, he capped his performance with a cheeky backheel finish, securing Madrid’s place in the next round and delivering his first signature moment for the club.
Federico Valverde also made his mark in extra time, firing a 30-yard screamer into the top corner to put the game beyond Celta’s reach.
Player Ratings: Mixed Performances for Madrid
While Endrick stole the headlines, Real Madrid’s overall performance left much to be desired. The defense looked shaky, with Raul Asencio conceding a silly penalty, and Antonio Rudiger struggling in possession. Luka Modric and Dani Ceballos provided stability in midfield, while Brahim Diaz impressed with his attacking intent.
Key Performers:
- Endrick (8/10): Came off the bench to score twice, including the decisive winner.
- Kylian Mbappé (7/10): Opened the scoring with a brilliant run but missed chances to extend the lead.
- Federico Valverde (7/10): A thunderous goal in extra time secured the result.
Manager’s Verdict:
Carlo Ancelotti will be relieved but not pleased. Despite the victory, his team’s late collapse exposed vulnerabilities. “We need to be sharper defensively and more clinical in front of goal,” Ancelotti remarked post-match.
What’s Next for Madrid?
Real Madrid return to La Liga action this weekend against Las Palmas. Fans will hope for a more composed display as Los Blancos aim to maintain their domestic dominance while dreaming of more magic from rising star Endrick.
