The second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid took place at the Vicente Calderon on Tuesday.
The away side entered the match as the firm favourites to secure their spot in the final following a 3-0 win when the pair met in the Bernabeu last week.
Los Blancos led 2-0 at the interval and 5-0 on aggregate following two early penalties from Cristiano Ronaldo and that was how it remained as Carlo Ancelotti's side advanced into the final.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our Copa del Rey semi-final coverage continues from the Spanish capital as Atletico Madrid welcome Real Madrid for the second leg. Well, few would have predicted that happened last week. Los Blancos enter this match as the firm favourites following a 3-0 success at the Bernabeu, when Atletico put in arguably their most disappointing showing of the season.
When Atletico beat Real Madrid in the league earlier in the season, Diego Simeone's side were full of energy and invention, but that was not the case last week. Credit must be given to the home side, however, who are starting to find their best form in the latter part of the campaign. It will take a monumental performance for the home side to turn this tie around.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS: Much-changed Atletico team this evening with Jose Sosa, Cristian Rodriguez, Mario Suarez, Javi Manquillo and Toby Alderweireld among those coming in. Real Madrid, meanwhile, hand starts to Raphael Varane and Asier Illarramendi. It also appears that Isco will act as a 'false nine'. Full teams to follow.
TEAMS:
ATLETICO: Aranzubia; Manquillo, Alderweireld, Miranda, Insua; Suarez, Koke, Diego; Sosa, Garcia, Rodriguez
REAL MADRID: Casillas; Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Arbeloa; Illarramendi, Alonso, Modric; Bale, Isco, Ronaldo
So there we have it. No Thibaut Courtois, Juanfran, Diego Godin, Gabi, Arda Turan, Diego Costa or David Villa for Atletico this evening in a much-changed XI. Arguably, only two of the team this evening are considered first-choice starters. Real Madrid, meanwhile, have Cristiano Ronaldo available despite a domestic suspension. Alvaro Arbeloa starts at left-back, while Gareth Bale and Isco will also start in advanced areas.
Atletico might have won two of the last three meetings between the pair in all competitions, but they have lost 11 of their last 14 matches with their rivals, including a 2-1 defeat in this stadium in a league match last season. If Atletico are to bow out of the competition this evening, they will want to do so with victory.
It has been a disastrous week for Atletico with defeat in the Bernabeu last week followed by a 2-0 loss at Almeria in La Liga at the weekend. It was just their second league defeat of the season, but dropped them off first position in the table. As it stands, Diego Simeone's side sit third on goal difference to Real Madrid and Barcelona, who also both have 57 points.
Tonight's clash will be a dress rehearsal of the league meeting at the start of next month, which could have huge ramifications in terms of the title race. Atletico might have wobbled in recent weeks, but they are still in a terrific position in La Liga and will soon face AC Milan in the last-16 stage of the Champions League.
In terms of this competition, Atletico overcame Sant Andreu 6-1 on aggregate in the fourth round, before moving past Valencia 3-1 on aggregate. They were paired with in-form Athletic Bilbao in the quarter-finals, and won 1-0 on their own patch before picking up a 2-1 success at San Mames. As it stands, they are the only side to beat Bilbao at home in all competitions this season.
Atletico's home form this season has been stunning with zero defeats in all competitions. In La Liga, they have the strongest home record having won 10 of their 12 matches, drawing twice in the process. They have also scored the most goals (38) and conceded the fewest (seven) in the Calderon in Spain's top flight.
Atletico have not won La Liga since the 1995/96 season, while they have only finished in the top two twice since the 1990/91 season. While exiting the Copa del Rey this evening would hurt them, it would at least allow them to concentrate on the league and the Champions League, two competitions where they certainly have a chance of silverware.
"The team is gutted. But you have to raise your head, work harder if possible to remove this slump soon after two matches. Let's see the power this team has overcome it. Now we have to be united more than ever. We have been in a privileged position and we are lucky to still be there and we will fight because this little bad run is costing us points," were the words uttered by Atletico midfielder Gabi at a pre-match press conference.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, enter the match off the back of a 4-2 win over Villarreal in La Liga. That result temporarily moved them into second, but they ended Saturday top of the table following Atletico's defeat. However, as it stands, they sit second on goal difference to Barcelona. It promises to be a fascinating conclusion to the title race.
Los Blancos struggled for consistency in the early part of the season, but that has not been the case in recent months. They have not lost in any competition since suffering defeat to Barcelona at the end of October – one of just two defeats in the league. Like Atletico, Real are also preparing for a last-16 Champions League clash (against Schalke 04) in the coming weeks.
Real Madrid were paired with Olimpic de Xativa in the fourth round of the Copa del Rey and overcame the lower league side 2-0 aggregate, before advancing past Osasuna in the fifth round. The quarter-final stage paired them with Espanyol, but it was another straightforward win for the capital outfit as they advanced 2-0 on aggregate.
In total, Real Madrid have won the Copa del Rey on 18 occasions. The last of those came in the 2010/11 campaign, while they have also been runners-up 20 times. Without ruling out Real Sociedad, it does appear that the winner of this tie will face Barcelona, which would be yet another wonderful fixture to look forward to in the latter part of the season.
While Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale are both enjoying impressive seasons, young pretender Jese Rodriguez has emerged into a real star. The Spanish forward has netted seven times this season in addition to contributing six assists. With such incredible options in attack and an improvement defensively, Los Blancos look the team to beat in Spain.
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti had the following to say at his pre-match press conference: "We have an important advantage, but to avoid problems we need to show the same attitude and intensity as in the first leg. Games between teams from the same city are always more intense, more pressurized than others. A really important moment of the season is arriving. We want to play this competition just like all the others."
PREDICTION: If Atletico were at full strength this evening, I would give them a chance, albeit an outside one, of turning the tie around. However, with the XI on display and Real Madrid extremely strong, I just cannot see anything in this for the home side. My score prediction is 2-1 Real Madrid on the night.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just a reminder that the only result that would take this into extra-time is a 3-0 Atletico win. The first goal - if there indeed is one - could make or break this tie.
The winner of this contest will face either Barcelona or Real Sociedad in the final, with the former holding a 2-0 lead from the first leg. As expected, there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the Calderon this evening. Can Atletico produce what would be one of their best-ever results? The away side get the action underway.
Neither side is playing with a recognised forward this evening with Raul Garcia seemingly playing through the middle for Atletico and Isco as a 'false nine' for Los Blancos. The away side have taken control of the possession in the opening couple of minutes with Ronaldo already having the chance to open his legs down the left.
There has already been a few tasty challenges in the middle of the park with Insua driving into a tackle with Isco. The resulting set piece is delivered by Alonso and met by the head of Bale, but it just moves wide of the far post. It has been all Real Madrid in the opening four minutes.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the early exchanges, but Atletico have started to enjoy more of the ball. Modric attempts to take matters into his own hands with a through pass towards Carvajal, but Insua just clears at the vital moment.
PENALTY TO REAL MADRID!
Real Madrid are awarded a penalty as Manquillo trips Ronaldo inside the box. Stonewall penalty. The Portuguese will take...
GOAL! Atletico 0-1 Real Madrid (Ronaldo, pen)
Brilliant from Ronaldo as the forward fires his effort into the bottom corner for his 33rd goal of the season. Is that tie over?! Atletico now need to score five times without reply.
That strike has just silenced the Calderon. Real Madrid have started this match in wonderful form and continue to dominate the possession. More frustration for Atletico as Carvajal is chopped down by Raul Garcia. The last thing Atletico need is to suffer a heavy defeat this evening.
Just a reminder that these two sides meet in the league in this stadium at the start of next month. That could indeed have a huge influence on the title race. Atletico just cannot get into the match at the moment as Los Blancos continue to dominate the ball. Ronaldo comes close with a header, but his effort is just wide of the post.
POST! Atletico come close to levelling on the night as Garcia finds some space outside the box before striking one towards the top corner, but it smashes off the post. Real Madrid break down the other end with Bale, but Insua makes a fine challenge as the home supporters raise their voices once more.
PENALTY TO REAL MADRID!
Real Madrid are awarded another penalty as Insua fells Bale inside the box. This is just incredible. Can Ronaldo score his second of the evening?
GOAL! Atletico 0-2 Real Madrid (Ronaldo, pen)
Ronaldo fires his effort into the same corner, with Aranzubia unable to make contact. Atletico could be in deep, deep trouble this evening. At the moment, Los Blancos look rampant in the Calderon.
Well, Atletico need to score six times to make it into the final. Anyone backing that? In truth, this tie is over. However, the home side must rescue something in terms of the match. A heavy defeat this evening would dent their confidence there is no question about that. At the moment, Atletico just cannot keep the ball.
Atletico have not lost three times in a row for over three years. However, that looks to be the case this evening. Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with Garcia clashing with Ramos. Last week it was Costa against Pepe, this week it is Garcia and Ramos. Atletico need to keep their discipline here.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments due to a number of late challenges. However, the Spanish official has not looked to his pocket thus far. The Real Madrid supporters can be heard in an otherwise silent Calderon with 24 minutes on the clock.
Not too much to report in terms of attacking pressure in the last couple of moments with the away side prepared to keep the ball in their own half. Atletico are not too interested in forcing the issue at the moment, which is not that surprising due to Real Madrid's devastating pace on the counter attack.
Atletico have not been beaten in this stadium since last May, which is a run that stretches 20 matches. However, they are heading for defeat this evening. Carvajal and Bale combine down the right for the away side before the defender drives a low cross into the box, but Alderweireld is on hand to clear at the vital moment. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining in the Calderon.
Half-chance for the home side as Koke collects a loose ball outside the box before firing one towards the top corner, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. That sums up the first period for Atletico, who have really struggled. Meanwhile, the free-kick count continues to rise in the Spanish capital.
Atletico have another shooting chance from distance as Garcia finds some space on the edge of the box, but once more his effort is wide of the post. The challenges continue to arrive with Illarramendi driving into Diego, but the referee allows the play to continue. Still no yellow card with 33 minutes on the clock at the Calderon.
Atletico want a penalty as Rodriguez goes down inside the box under pressure from Varane, but the winger had moved into an offside position. Much better from the home side as they raise their intensity, but Real Madrid continue to carry such a threat with their pace and power on the counter attack.
The home supporters continue to put pressure on the referee with whistles every time there is a challenge inside the Real Madrid box, but the official has remained calm thus far. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments, but it is more of an even contest in general play. Moments later, Illarramendi picks up a booking for pulling Suarez to the ground.
It is over 800 minutes since Iker Casillas has last conceded a goal - what an incredible record that is. Rodriguez threatens to break that record as the Atletico winger finds some space just inside the box, but his effort is wide of the post. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining.
Half-chance for Real Madrid to threaten from a free kick as Suarez fells Ronaldo. The set piece is played short to Isco, who delivers into the box, but eventually Ronaldo slices his effort high of the crossbar. Atletico are down the other end with Sosa moments later, but his cross is straight into the arms of Casillas.
The referee continues to become involved in the latter stages of the half as the challenges arrive from the both sides. The official has issued just one yellow card thus far, but I suspect that will not be the case come the end of the 90 minutes. I shouldn't think that there will be too much time added at the end of the first period.
Indeed the card count does raise to two as Arbeloa fells Manquillo just outside the box. The resulting set piece for Atletico is delivered by Koke, but Casillas punches clear.
Ronaldo becomes the latest player to enter the book following a coming-together with Manquillo, who flips over before landing on his neck. It looks extremely nasty for the Atletico right-back.
HALF-TIME: Atletico 0-2 Real Madrid
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Real Madrid leading 2-0 courtesy of two penalties from Ronaldo. Atletico improved as the half developed, but as it stands they are heading for their third consecutive loss in all competitions.
STATISTICS: Real Madrid have dominated the possession with 69%, but both sides have had five attempts on target. In truth, it has not been a match full of clear opportunities, but Atletico's best chance arrived when Garcia struck the post from just outside the box. As it stands, Atletico need to score six times without reply to advance into the final.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have the likes of Adrian, Arda Turan and Gabi on their bench this evening, while they also have young forward Ruben Mesa in reserve. Real Madrid, meanwhile, have a number of options in the shape of Karim Benzema, Jese Rodriguez and Angel di Maria.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. It is understood that Ronaldo had a lighter thrown at him from the crowd just after the half-time whistle and subsequently received treatment at the side of the pitch, but he has returned to the field. There is no place for that in football. Right, the home side get the second period underway.
One change for Real Madrid at the interval as Nacho enters the field in place of Ramos. Atletico also make two changes with Adrian Lopez and Juanfran replacing Manquillo and Diego. Early free kick for Real Madrid, which Alonso delivers into the box, but Varane is penalised for climbing on Alderweireld.
Just a reminder that Atletico need to score six times if they are to book their spot in the final of the Copa del Rey. In truth, their focus should now be on taking something from this match. It has been a bright start to the half from the home side with Koke, Suarez and Juanfran all seeing plenty of the ball in the final third.
The challenges continue to fly in from both sides in the middle of the park, but there is not the same bite as in the first leg last week. Isco threatens for the away side as he combines with Ronaldo outside the box, but his effort is blocked by Miranda. Atletico break with Adrian, but Varane clears the cross.
Half-chance for Los Blancos as Arbeloa finds some space down the left before finding Isco inside the box, but the Spaniard cannot gather under pressure from Miranda. The end-to-end period continues as Atletico break with Sosa, but his cross is straight into the arms of Casillas. Little over 35 minutes of this second period remaining.
The Atletico supporters are doing their best to maintain an atmosphere inside the stadium despite events on the field, but the match has gone slightly flat in the last few moments. Real Madrid continue to look the more likely to add to the scoring, with the home side struggling for invention in the final third.
The untidy period of the match continues as the challenges continue to arrive from both sides. Isco attempts to quicken the pace for the away side with a short pass to Ronaldo, who turns before sliding a pass towards Bale, but Miranda is across to clear. Still no real chances in the second period at the Calderon.
Atletico make their third and final change just past the hour as Gabi enters the field in place of Garcia, who was perhaps lucky to remain on the field following a number of late challenges. Still no real intensity to the contest as both sides continue to exchange possession in the final third.
Just a reminder that the two sides will meet in this stadium in the league at the start of next month. That fixture could be vital in terms of the title race. Atletico will also have a number of their key players returning. Isco wins a free kick for Real Madrid just outside the Atletico box moments later following a late challenge from Suarez.
Half-chance for Real Madrid as Bale strikes a free kick from outside the box, but Aranzubia is across to make the save. Still no movement on the Real Madrid bench with little under 25 minutes remaining. It would not be a surprise to see Casemiro handed some minutes this evening.
Indeed the first Real Madrid change is made as Casemiro enters the field in place of Modric, who has again been very impressive this evening. In truth, the second period has been a slight non-event with neither side too concerned with creating opportunities.
I would love to be able to say that there has been a number of clear chances in the last few moments, but that has not been the case. Real Madrid continue to show bright moments in the final third with Bale and Ronaldo combining, but neither goalkeeper has been called into action in the second period.
It is almost like a pre-season match at the moment as Atletico keep the ball in their own half for a period of a couple of minutes, before attempting to force the issue in the Real Madrid half. Neither side can find that elusive pass, however, as both continue to relinquish possession in the final third.
CHANCE! Best chance of the second period falls to Ronaldo as the Real Madrid forward finds some space inside the box before attempting to strike one into the bottom corner, but Aranzubia stands tall to make the save. The rebound falls to Arbeloa, but the right-back is too slow in possession.
Half-chance for the home side this time as Rodriguez strikes one from outside the box, but Arbeloa stands tall to make the save. Suarez meets the resulting corner, but his header is just wide of the post. Moments later, Real Madrid make their second change with Ronaldo replaced by Jese Rodriguez.
It appears that Atletico will lose their third match in a row for the first time in three years unless there is a late response this evening. Real Madrid continue to look the most likely in the final third, but clear chances have been at a premium in the second period.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of minutes due to a number of late challenges. Miranda is perhaps lucky to remain on the field after striking Jese with his elbow, but the referee issues a yellow. The resulting free kick is delivered by Alonso, but Miranda is on hand to clear the danger.
You just get the feeling that there is one more goal in this match with both sides starting to open up in the final third. Just a reminder that the winner of this match - Real Madrid - will face either Barcelona or Real Sociedad in the final, with the pair meeting tomorrow.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side to open their tally for the evening as Sosa strikes one on the half volley outside the box, but Casillas is across to make a fine save. Suarez threatens from the resulting corner, but his header is blocked by Carvajal at the vital moment.
Real Madrid are closing in on 24 matches unbeaten in all competition. It could be a sensational end to the season for Los Blancos, who are fighting for silverware on all three fronts. Not too much to report in the latter stages as the Atletico supporters start to make their way toward the exits.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the Calderon. Not too much to report as Real Madrid control possession in their own half.
FULL-TIME: Atletico 0-2 Real Madrid
So there we have it. Real Madrid move into the final of the Copa del Rey with a 2-0 win over Atletico. Los Blancos advance 5-0 on aggregate. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!
