Real Madrid Through To Copa Del Rey Last 16 With Clinical Away Win Against Arandina

Real Madrid beat Arandina to forge to the Last 16 round of Copa del Rey.

Arda Guler (24) of Real Madrid celebrates with his teammates after Brahim Diaz's (21) goal during the Copa del Rey last 32 match between Arandina CF and Real Madrid at Estadio El Montecillo Stadium in Burgos, Aranda de Duero, Spain on January 06, 2024.

Source : Getty

Real Madrid, the reigning Copa del Rey champions, qualified for the last 16 round of the tournament with a 3-1 away win over Arandina on Saturday. Real Madrid registered a dominant victory, coming out on top of their opponents 3-1 at the El Montecillo on Saturday night. Even though the eventual scoreline of the match suggests a straightforward victory for Real Madrid, in reality, it was from from the case as despite playing a rival three levels below them, a new-look Real Madrid made heavy work of the first half and were 0-0 at the break.

What was more interesting to note that they did most things right and had 80 per cent ball occupancy. However, where it mattered the most- the goals column, Real Madrid had a big fat zero against their name against an opponent that did not have a shot on goal. The Los Blancos though did make amends in the second half, taking the lead in the 54th minute of the match with the help of a penalty from Joselu. From there, it was no looking back for them as Brahim then doubled the lead a minute later to more or less seal a place for them in the subsequent round.

🙌 Copa del Rey last 16! 🙌 #CopaDelRey pic.twitter.com/73vYkRkRa9

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) January 6, 2024

Rodrigo added a third goal for Real Madrid in the dying minutes of the match before a consolatory goal for Arandina with Nacho putting the ball in his own net in injury time. Other than the win, the other positive news coming in for Real Madrid was the debut of Arda Guler whose injury struggles kept him away from the pitch in the first half of the season.

Meanwhile, in an action-packed day of Copa del Rey fixtures, Girona secured a spot in the last-16 with a clinical 2-0 victory over Elche, displaying superior efficiency in front of goal. Daley Blind and Yan Couto found the net, sealing the win for Girona against an Elche side that couldn't convert their 22 shots into goals.

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid dominated against RFEF I (third tier) Lugo, securing a 3-1 victory with Memphis Depay scoring twice and Angel Correa putting them ahead just two minutes into the game.

In another notable clash, Deportivo Alaves emerged victorious in the sole all-top-flight tie, defeating 2022 Cup winners Betis 1-0. Carlos Benavidez's well-timed finish in the 56th minute proved decisive, leaving Betis unable to mount a comeback.

Getafe clinched a narrow 1-0 win in a subdued match against Espanyol, while Rayo Vallecano left it late to secure a 2-0 victory over Huesca after extra time.

(With Inputs From IANS)