Barcelona’s exit from the Copa is the most recent blow; actual madrid rally

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Barcelona’s checklist of disappointments this season bought longer with their loss to Athletic Bilbao in Round 16 of the Copa del Rey on Thursday.

Barcelona suffered a 3–2 loss in additional time so as to add to the current failures within the Spanish Super Cup and Champions League. The Catalan membership is 17 factors behind Real Madrid within the Spanish league, and the Europa League is the one title it may realistically play for in its first season, following the departure of Lionel Messi, the Argentine star who moved to Paris Saint-Germain. went.

Madrid additionally wanted additional time at Elche, however have been saved from bother by a late purpose from Eden Hazard, because the group went down a person and wanted to come back from behind to win 2–1.

Barcelona fail once more

Defending Copa champions Barcelona couldn’t get forward of Athletic regardless of equalizing twice in a rematch of final 12 months’s closing, shedding within the first half of additional time after Iker Munain transformed a penalty kick late.

Munain put Athletic two minutes forward within the match on the San Memes Stadium, earlier than Ferran Torres equalized within the twentieth together with his first purpose since becoming a member of Barcelona _ a sleek curling shot into the highest nook.

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen saves in entrance of Alex Berenguer of Athletic Bilbao through the Spanish Copa del Rey Cup spherical of 16 match between Athletic Club and Barcelona at San Memes Stadium in Bilbao on Friday, January 21, 2022. (AP Photo.)/Alvaro Barrientos)

Inigo Martínez restored the hosts’ lead from shut vary within the 86th however Pedri González despatched the match into additional time with a purpose in stoppage time.

Barcelona, ​​who couldn’t maintain Messi because of their monetary struggles, didn’t progress previous the group stage within the Champions League and misplaced to Madrid within the Spanish Super Cup semi-finals final week.

“We have no choice but to believe in our project,” stated Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez.
American defender Sergio Deste, getting back from a again harm and a optimistic COVID-19 check, entered the 96th minute in his first look since December 8.

The different groups to succeed in the Copa quarter-finals are Mallorca, Cadiz, Rio Vallecano, Valencia, Real Betis and Real Sociedad, who knocked out defending Spanish champions Atlético Madrid on Wednesday.

actual madrid rally

Isco Alarcón and Hazard _ who’ve performed much less this season _ scored within the second half of additional time to propel Madrid into the Copa quarter-finals.

Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti stated, ‘I’m pleased for Isco and Hazard. “He hasn’t played many minutes but he came through today.”

Hazard got here at first of additional time and scored a breakaway close to the midfield line within the closing minute. He took a move from David Alaba and went to the goalkeeper earlier than discovering the open web for his first purpose with Madrid since May.

real madrid Real Madrid gamers have fun their group’s victory over Elche on the finish of the Copa del Rey soccer match between Elche and Real Madrid at Martinez Valero Stadium in Elche, Spain, Thursday, January 20, 2022. (AP picture/Alberto Saiz)

Hazard himself thought he was offside and was hesitant to have fun at first however the purpose was confirmed after a video evaluation.

Gonzalo Verdu scored for Elche within the first half of additional time with a shot from exterior the realm that fooled Madrid goalkeeper Andrey Lunin after turning his consideration to defender Dani Ceballos.

The purpose got here after a free kick that propelled Marcelo to a purple card as he fouled a defender from behind to forestall a counterattack.

Madrid responded when Isco redirected a shot by Ceballos inside the sphere after being arrange by Casemiro.
Elche thought it had leveled simply earlier than the ultimate whistle, however the purpose was recalled because of a foul on a defender inside the sphere.

Madrid are looking for their first Copa title since 2013–14. It was shocked by Third Division membership Alcoiano within the Round of 16 of the earlier season, whereas nonetheless beneath coach Zinedine Zidane.

Elche was enjoying within the spherical of 16 for the primary time since 2014–15.

Madrid was coming off victories on the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia, the place it defeated Barcelona within the semi-finals and Athletic within the closing.

Ancelotti made three common begins from the group for Thursday’s sport _ goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, defender Eder Militao and striker Karim Benzema, the group’s main scorer this season. Gareth Bale returned from a protracted harm however remained on the bench.

getafe go forward

Getafe beat Granada 4–2 for his or her third win of their final 4 Spanish league matches.

The consequence moved the Madrid aspect to sixteenth place, 4 factors from the relegation zone. Grenada, coming from two attracts, is in 14th place.

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With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS

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