In an exhilarating Copa del Rey clash held at the historic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Real Madrid came out on top against Celta Vigo with a final score of 5-2 after extra time. This thrilling match unfolded on January 16, 2025, and saw Real Madrid aiming to bounce back from recent defeats, while Celta Vigo looked to extend their exciting cup journey.

Exciting Matchup at the Santiago Bernabéu

The atmosphere was electric on the night of the match as fans filled the stands, eager to support their teams. Real Madrid, known for its strong legacy, was determined to earn a victory after suffering setbacks against fierce rivals like Barcelona earlier in the season. Celta Vigo, on the other hand, arrived with confidence after a successful run in the tournament, having overcome tough opponents to reach this stage.

Early Goals Spark Hope for Madrid

Real Madrid started the game strong, with Kylian Mbappé lighting up the field by scoring the opening goal. Buoyed by this success, Vinicius Junior soon followed suit, increasing the lead to 2-0. Many fans were optimistic about a smooth win, but the winds of football can change quickly.

Celta Vigo Stuns with a Comeback

Just when it seemed like Real Madrid would secure an easy victory, Celta Vigo turned up the heat. Jonathan Bamba scored the first goal for the visitors, igniting the hopes of Celta fans. Within moments, they leveled the score at 2-2 with a perfectly executed penalty by Marcos Alonso, awarded after a foul by Real Madrid’s Raúl Asencio. The game had a dramatic twist, forcing the match into extra time.

Extra Time Brings a Fiery Finish

As the teams returned to the pitch, both sides were eager to break the deadlock. The tension was palpable, but it was Madrid who reclaimed their dominance. Young star Endrick shone brightly by netting two goals in extra time, showcasing his potential and prodding the team to seize victory. Federico Valverde also contributed with another goal, further solidifying Real Madrid’s place in the next round of the Copa del Rey.

A Stellar Performance from Tchouameni

Aurelien Tchouameni stood out with a remarkable performance, achieving 117 touches and providing an assist, which earned him the Man of the Match title. His keen play and defensive work helped elevate Real Madrid’s game, demonstrating that he could overcome the pressure from critics and disappointments in previous matches. He was crucial in maintaining the midfield control throughout the match.

Where to Catch the Action

Fans who missed the live action can still catch the highlights through ESPN+, which held exclusive broadcasting rights for this thrilling Copa del Rey encounter. For those on the US East Coast, the game kicked off at 3:30 PM ET, whereas viewers on the West Coast tuned in at 12:30 PM PT. In the UK, it aired at 8:30 PM GMT.

The Road Ahead

Following their impressive victory, Real Madrid looks ahead with renewed confidence in their campaign for the Copa del Rey trophy. With performances like these, the team is surely setting itself up to be a formidable contender. Celta Vigo, despite the loss, can take lessons from this intense match as they continue their season in other competitions. The journey through the Copa del Rey always promises excitement, and this match was a thrilling chapter in the ongoing story of Spanish football.