In an intense matchup, Real Madrid secured a place in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals with a dramatic 5-2 victory over Celta Vigo, thanks in large part to the heroics of 18-year-old Brazilian striker Endrick, who scored two crucial goals during extra time.
Real Madrid initially seemed to have the match under control, with Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior each finding the net in the first half, giving them a commanding 2-0 lead. However, Celta Vigo fought back, leveling the score with late goals from Jonathan Bamba and Marcos Alonso, forcing the game into extra time.
As the contest edged closer to penalties, Endrick made his presence felt by regaining the lead for Madrid in the 108th minute with an impressive shot from the edge of the box. Just four minutes later, Federico Valverde added to the scoreline with a remarkable long-range strike, putting Madrid ahead 4-2. Endrick sealed the victory with a skillful back-heel flick in the 119th minute.
Reflecting on the match, Endrick emphasized Real Madrid’s fighting spirit, stating, “This is Real Madrid, we fight until the end. We know how to take the game to the next level, and we showed that today.”
The match was particularly notable as it was Real Madrid’s first appearance at the Santiago Bernabéu in 2025, following a disappointing 5-2 loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup. The home crowd initially expressed frustration, leading to boos during a lackluster first half. However, the atmosphere shifted dramatically after Mbappé’s opening goal, following a contentious non-penalty call for Celta.
Despite facing setbacks, including goals conceded late in regular time, Real Madrid’s resilience shone through in extra time. With their win, they joined several other teams—Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Getafe, Leganés, Valencia, Osasuna, and Real Sociedad—advancing to the quarterfinals, with the draw set to take place on Monday.
This victory highlights the potential of young talents like Endrick and underscores Real Madrid’s determination to bounce back strong after recent disappointments. The team’s ability to turn around a challenging match points to their depth and tenacity as they look ahead in the tournament.