Villarreal 2-3 Real Madrid: Dani Ceballos inspires Copa del Rey comeback with goal and assist for Vinicius Junior
/dnl.eurosport.com/sd/img/placeholder/eurosport_logo_1x1.png){kind=logo}
Updated 19/01/2023 at 22:25 GMT
Real Madrid avoided an upset in the last 16 of the Copa del Rey as they scored three times in the second half to beat Villarreal. Substitute Dani Ceballos was key to the comeback win as he set up a goal for Vinicius Junior and then netted the late winner. Barcelona also advanced as Robert Lewandowski scored twice and Raphinha also grabbed a goal in a 5-0 win over AD Ceuta.
'A really exciting player' - Chelsea boss Potter on Mudryk
Dani Ceballos came off the bench to inspire a second-half comeback as Real Madrid rallied to beat Villarreal in the last 16 of the Copa del Rey.
Real’s rocky form looked set to continue as they fell 2-0 behind.
Villarreal, who beat the European champions in La Liga just 12 days ago, took the lead after just four minutes through Etienne Capoue.
Samuel Chukwueze added a second before half-time.
Real responded when Ceballos set up Vinicius Junior to score, and then levelled in the 72nd when Eder Militao netted.
Ceballos grabbed the late winner with a composed finish from the edge of the box Real booked their place in the quarter-finals.
Real were beaten in the final of the Spanish Super Cup by Barcelona in their last outing and their only win in 2023 was against fourth-tier Cacereno in the cup.
They are three points behind leaders Barcelona in La Liga and travel to Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.
Barca have won the Copa del Rey a record 31 times and they were comfortable 5-0 victors over third-tier AD Ceuta.
Xavi made 10 changes to his starting XI from the Super Cup final with only Robert Lewandowski, who is banned for the next two league matches, keeping his place.
Raphinha broke the deadlock shortly before half-time and Barca eased clear in the second half.
Lewandowski scored twice, either side of goals from Ansu Fati and Franck Kessie.
Barcelona host Getafe in La Liga on Sunday.
Scan me
Related Topics
Share this article