All the details of the Copa del Rey Round of 16 at La Cerámica Stadium, live on Goal.com
Real Madrid fought back from a 2-3 deficit at La Cerámica to reach the Copa del Rey quarterfinals. The visitors started on the back foot as Villarreal pressed aggressively in the opening half, but the momentum shifted in the second period with the introductions of Asensio and, crucially, Ceballos. Madrid clawed their way back into the tie and secured a vital win during a turbulent spell for the team.
ALL ABOUT VILLARREAL VS REAL MADRID IN THE COPA DEL REY 2022-23
Setién’s side began with high intensity and took the lead thanks to a superb strike from Capoue. Real Madrid chased an equalizer, only to face a Villarreal side in fine form. Chukwueze, who sparkled in the first half, helped Villarreal establish a deserved lead after a bright opening period.
After the break, Madrid pressed to level the score, but clear chances were scarce. Ancelotti reshuffled the forward line, replacing Kroos and Rodrygo with Ceballos and Asensio. The change paid dividends. A composed run from Asensio ended with a Vinicius Junior strike that reignited Madrid’s hopes. A dramatic sequence followed, as Benzema’s header from a cross was cleared by Jørgensen but rebounded perfectly to Militao, who finished to level the match. Villarreal looked vulnerable for a moment, and Ceballos, energized and determined, completed the comeback after a precise feed from Marco Asensio. Real Madrid rode the crest of that momentum and departed La Cerámica with a performance that could mark a turning point in their season.
News and analysis: Milan and other games were forthcoming, with streaming options and match updates provided on a regular basis.
Minute by minute: Villarreal vs Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey
Press conferences from Villarreal vs Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey
Ancelotti, in press conference
“It seems we’re back. The first half was tough, but the second half showed the rhythm needed to change the tempo. The squad has character and never quit.”
“Vinicius faced heavy challenges, yet he stayed focused. Rodrygo carried a minor muscle issue at halftime, so the decision was made to protect him. Rodrygo did his homework.”
“Camavinga brought energy after the break and finished strongly.”
“Aside from Vinicius’s situation, there was constant attention on him, a familiar scenario.”
“Halftime left us unhappy. We conceded early, which constrained us, but the team reacted well. It’s important to learn from the first half and restore the intensity.”
“Asensio and Ceballos changed the flow with their dynamism.”
Quique Setien, at a press conference
“The second half shifted the balance. We controlled the first half, yet Real Madrid always carries a high level. When you release the pressure, they hurt you with smart play and pace.”
“Losing players and substitutions affected our rhythm, though some individuals performed well. Madrid has quality across the board.”
“The Vinicius discussion wasn’t the focus. What mattered was the overall performance.”
“Experience matters. Albiol and Juan are seasoned; Jorge and Aissa did well, but Madrid’s attackers—Benzema and Vinicius—pushed the limits.”
“Injuries and the range of substitutions will be assessed. The plan is to field eleven for the next game and recover key players to stay competitive.”
“We’ll monitor Danjuma and Nico Jackson’s status. The squad will adapt as needed, with fresh calls ahead.”
“Madrid’s second-half improvement came from fresh, high-quality players. Fatigue surfaced against a capable opponent. Madrid pressed and chased, but the visitors’ quality created space and danger.”
“From the bench, judging controversial calls is tough. Some refereeing decisions can seem debatable, but the outcome won’t hinge on a single moment.”
“Jørgensen is an opponent who had faced us before. We gave him a chance on an important day and he delivered. He fits into a rotating plan with Pepe, and the lineup decisions reflect evolving criteria.”
Videos, lineups and news from Villarreal vs Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey
Soon, fans could access videos and updates from ongoing fixtures and related matches.
The comeback was driven by Ceballos’s work rate and vision
Militao’s equalizer sealed the revival
Vinicius captures the tense nature of the tie
Chukwueze’s strike extended Villarreal’s lead
Capoue’s precise finish gave Villarreal the advantage
Real Madrid’s starting eleven for the match featured Nacho, Camavinga and Rodrygo
Summary of Villarreal vs Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey
All figures and statistics of Villarreal vs Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey
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