Real Madrid fall to Celta Vigo in Copa del Rey quarterfinals

Real Madrid were eliminated from the Copa del Rey quarterfinals following a 2-2 draw away to Celta Vigo on Wednesday that left the La Liga leaders on the wrong end of a 4-3 aggregate scoreline.

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Celta Vigo found their opener just before half-time at the end of a well-worked team move that left John Guidetti wide open at the penalty spot. The Sweden international’s shot was turned away by Kiko Casilla, but the rebound fell right in the path of Danilo, who inadvertently swept home an own goal — the second in his last three appearances.

Cristiano Ronaldo would level matters in the 62nd minute, though, with a perfectly struck free kick from 25 yards away that split the Celta wall and beat Sergio Alvarez at the far post.

Madrid continued to bring pressure after their goal, with Ronaldo blazing wide from another free kick and Sergio Ramos nearly heading the visitors in front in the 66th minute.

But Celta held their advantage and found another goal in the 85th minute when Daniel Wass curled a perfect first-time shot past Casilla. Lucas Vazquez struck back for Real in injury time, but it was merely a consolation goal as Celta had the aggregate advantage to move on.

Ronaldo nearly had Real in front in the 26th minute, but his headed attempt was tipped off the crossbar and back to the Portuguese, who somehow managed to be denied by the right post from point-blank range.

Alvarez was again called into action in the 38th minute, as Sergio Ramos rose highest to reach a cross following a corner, but the Spaniard’s headed shot went right into the hands of the Celta keeper.

A poor clearance left Guidetti in on goal in the 39th minute, but his well-struck volley was parried away by Alvarez to keep things level.

The Ronaldo leveller was his first Copa del Rey goal since Jan. 15, 2015, and seemed to enliven the Real attack.

Karim Benzema drew a foul on the right side of the penalty area and Toni Kroos‘ delivery found a wide open Ramos at the far post, but his glancing header veered harmlessly wide of the Celta goal.

With Real needing two goals to get back into the tie, substitute Vazquez got free on the back post to head home an equaliser, but it was too little too late for Zinedine Zidane‘s team, who have now lost twice and drawn twice in their last five matches.