Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior’s extra-time strikes earned Real Madrid a 3-1 win over rivals Atletico Madrid on Thursday to achieve the Copa del Rey semi-finals. The Brazilian winger’s purpose was a very candy one for him after a crude effigy along with his shirt on was hung from a bridge close to Real Madrid’s coaching floor earlier than the sport. The spiky, gripping derby conflict turned in opposition to Diego Simeone’s aspect within the extra interval when defender Stefan Savic was despatched off.

Atletico took the lead by means of Alvaro Morata after 19 minutes however Rodrygo’s sensational slalom run previous three defenders and slick end pulled Madrid degree with 11 minutes remaining.

After Savic’s 99th minute pink card, Benzema tucked dwelling from Marco Asensio‘s move and Vinicius netted on the demise to ship Los Blancos by means of to the ultimate 4 for the primary time since 2019.

“Today we had a very difficult game but with the character and the players that we have, we were able to turn it around,” Benzema instructed Teledeporte.

“Suffering is not good — we have to score the goals earlier.”

The build-up to the derby was tainted by the Vinicius effigy being strung up in a single day, which the membership described as “a disgusting act of racism, xenophobia and hatred.”

“(Vinicius) really wanted to play and he had a very good game,” Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti instructed a information convention.

“I think the goal was his reward for his great work. What happened is very regrettable.”

Madrid followers had deliberate to sing Vinicius’ identify in help within the twentieth minute, matching his shirt quantity, however have been surprised into silence by Morata’s purpose moments earlier than.

Atletico, hitting their finest type of the season, conjured an excellent transfer to interrupt the impasse, with Morata tapping dwelling after Koke‘s dink allowed Nahuel Molina to stroke a first-time cross to the again publish.

Madrid added one other identify to an extended harm checklist when Ferland Mendy had to get replaced earlier than half-time, with Eduardo Camavinga slotting in at left again and Dani Ceballos approaching.

Madrid improved considerably after the break and Rodrygo levelled with 11 minutes to go along with his jinking solo effort and refined near-post end, taking the conflict to extra-time.

– ‘Convenient for everyone’ –

Atletico defender Savic foolishly handed Madrid the sting when he was despatched off for 2 yellow playing cards in two minutes.

Atletico gamers claimed that Ceballos ought to have been despatched off earlier when he fouled Geoffrey Kondogbia whereas on a yellow card.

“I think it was a red (for Savic), but they should have had one too when we were 1-0 up,” complained Atletico goalkeeper Oblak.

“They could have had a second yellow but (the referee) decided it how he decided, we are used to that, and it’s complicated, but the team fought to the end, we did everything to score.”

With an additional man Madrid capitalised, Benzema hanging lethally after 104 minutes when Vinicius miskicked Marco Asensio’s cross and the ball travelled by means of to the striker.

Madrid, who final gained the Copa del Rey in 2014, saved Atletico at bay within the remaining quarter-hour earlier than Vinicius dribbled by means of and fired dwelling to clinch the victory — celebrating with a now customary dance routine.

Despite their bettering performances, the remainder of Atletico’s season is trying barren, given they have been eradicated from European soccer and are 13 factors behind La Liga leaders Barcelona, having performed a recreation extra.

“We are out of Europe and now the cup, the team has the second half of the season ahead of them to try and qualify for the Champions League, that’s the objective the club needs,” stated Simeone, who solid some doubt on his future.

The Argentine coach has been on the membership since 2011 and has a contract till 2024.

“After that, calmly, we will look at what is convenient for everyone,” he continued.

“Being at Atletico gives me enormous joy, I will give 1000 percent until the day that I leave.”

Earlier Athletic Bilbao gained 3-1 at Valencia to affix file 31-time winners Barcelona and Osasuna in Monday’s semi-final draw.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV workers and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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