Villarreal 2–3 Real Madrid

Real Madrid came back from two goals down to defeat Villarreal 3-2 away from home to secure a place in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey.

Coming into the game on the back of the Spanish Super Cup defeat to Barcelona, Carlo Ancelotti’s men looked in shambles in the first half as Etienne Capoue and Samuel Chukwueze gave Villarreal a two-goal lead heading into half-time.

However, Los Blancos were woken up from their slumber after the break as Vinicius Jr. pulled a goal back before Eder Militao leveled things up. Finally, Dani Ceballos scored the winner in the 86th minute to help Real Madrid book a place in the quarter-finals.

Speaking after the match, manager Ancelotti expressed his happiness at the outcome of the game but admitted that his team were well below par in the first half. Below are the snippets from his interaction with the media after the match.

On the first-half performance: "I was really angry at half-time and I decided to take a risk and press high up. We weren’t being forceful enough in our duels and I told them to wake up, there was still time to come back. They definitely woke up. It wasn’t a good first half and we can’t be playing like that."

On the second half: "In the second period, it was an incredible reaction, as it always is. This club never gives up but we can’t wait until near the end of the game to react."

On the team’s personality: "We played a very poor first half and quite an unexpected second because it’s difficult to switch the dynamic like that after the first half we saw. The team showed great personality to turn things around. The second half is fantastic for our confidence. We didn’t give up and I’m sure you guys have had to change your articles."

On Dani Ceballos and Marco Asensio: "They really changed the game. They brought more quality and energy to the pitch. They were absolutely key in turning the score and the tie around."

On Eduardo Camavinga: "He had more energy and showed more character in the second half. He’s learning that he has to look after himself, it was a complete performance from him.”

On taking off Rodrygo: “He had a slight muscle strain and I decided not to risk him. He didn’t acknowledge me because I think he forgot, I don’t think it’s a big deal."

On the clash between Vinicius Junior and Pepe Reina: "It was nothing. He was a bit wound up with Vini Jr., that’s all. I have a good relationship with him. What I saw, was that Vini Jr. got kicked a lot, like he does every game."