On Thursday, Real Madrid overcame another Copa del Rey deficit with late goals from Rodygo, Karim Benzema, and Vinicius Junior to win the local derby 3-1.
This metaphor has been used before: A deflected cross sped onto Karim Benzema’s right foot at the far post as he was unmarked, giving the goalkeeper no chance to save it. Real Madrid has unexpectedly taken the lead.
Real Madrid led Atletico Madrid 2-1 after Benzema’s extra-time goal in their Copa del Rey quarterfinal matchup. Los Blancos added one more goal for good measure, repeating their comeback victory over Villarreal from a week earlier.
For nearly 80 minutes, everything appeared hopeless before Real Madrid recovered to defeat their opponents in an emotional derby that once again descended into violence off the field when Vinicius Junior was the target of pre-game abuse from supporters.
Alvaro Morata got an easy tap-in for the opening goal after Atletico worked a fantastic play that earned them the advantage. Everything appeared to be set up for a master lesson by Diego Simeone. Atletico had fewer possessions, committed more fouls, and had just one successful shot.