Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti was left delighted after victory over Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rel quarterfinal.
Real Madrid reached the Copa del Rey semi-finals with an extra-time win over rivals Atletico Madrid.
The visitors started better at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Alvaro Morata firing them ahead from close range after a slick team move.
Madrid improved after the break and got their equaliser with a brilliant solo goal from Rodrygo, who beat several defenders and then finished with style.
Stefan Savic threw the game away for Atletico in extra-time when he was sent off for two quick yellow cards.
It gave Madrid a second wind and Benzema capitalised with a low finish at the near post from Asensio’s cross.
Vinicius Junior sealed the win late on with a cool finish — a goal which meant a lot to him after an effigy of him was hung from a bridge by Atletico ultras before the game.
Ancelotti said, “The most important factor is that everyone was more committed. We’ve been helped a lot by the bench and at this stage of the season we need everyone on the bench to be able to contribute. We have too many games.
“It was a very tough and competitive game today against a very strong team. They were better in the first half and our second half was very good and we put in as much effort as we could. A bit of individual quality saw us to level things up and our fans’ support put us right on track during extra time.
“I was very angry at half-time against Villarreal, not today. We didn’t play well in the first half, but we had the tools to get better. I changed Luka’s position by putting him higher up, but rather than a tactical change it was a mental change after the …
