Real Madrid Exit Spanish Cup After Dramatic Atlético Defeat
Madrid, Spain — Real Madrid’s hopes of defending their Copa del Rey title have been dashed following a tense last-16 elimination at the hands of city rivals Atlético Madrid.
Having suffered a 2-0 defeat in the first leg, the Merengues faced an uphill battle in the return fixture. Despite efforts to overturn the deficit, Real could only manage a 2-2 draw at the Vicente Calderón Stadium, sealing their exit on aggregate.
Atlético’s Fernando Torres was the star of the show, netting twice at critical moments — once just before half-time and again immediately after the break — to send the home crowd into raptures.
Real Madrid fought back through goals from captain Sergio Ramos in the 20th minute and Cristiano Ronaldo in the 54th. However, a missed chance by Karim Benzema in the 68th minute denied Los Blancos the opportunity to complete their comeback.
Off the pitch, Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated winning his third Ballon d’Or earlier in the day — a personal accolade that contrasted with the club’s frustrating night. The Portuguese forward was reportedly going through a difficult period in his personal life, adding to the tense atmosphere within the squad.
Real Madrid now face a period of reflection as their hopes for back-to-back Copa del Rey triumphs come to an abrupt end.
