HAZARD STRIKE SENDS MARDID INTO QUARTERS

Real Madrid are through to the Copa Del Rey quarterfinals after Belgian international Eden Hazard came up with a big goal in extra time of the last 16 clash with hosts Elche. The goal from Eden Hazard ensured that Real Madrid came from behind to beat Elche 2-1 with all the goals coming in extra time.

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The major events from the Copa Del Rey last 16 tie happened in the extra thirty minutes added after the two teams failed to score in regulation time. The game burst into life on 102 minutes when Madrid skipper Marcelo was sent off for a professional foul on Elche substitute TeteMorente. From the resulting free-kick, the home team took the lead. Verdi took it and his shot was blocked before the rebound was deflected into the back of the net by Brazil international Casemiro. The goal from Elche happened in the 103rd minute and it gave the hosts a slim advantage at the end of the first half in extra time.

Real Madrid showed character and fighting spirit in the second half of extra time. The Spanish La Liga leaders scored two goals within seven minutes to win the game. With three minutes on the clock in the second half of extra time, Real Madrid levelled proceedings through Spanish midfielder Isco after the shot from compatriot Dani Ceballos deflected off him and into the back of the net. Isco had earlier come on for Serbian striker Luka Jovic.

Madrid scored the goal that clinched a last eight spot in the Copa Del Rey on 115 minutes through Eden Hazard off the assist from David Alaba. The former Lille star came on for Brazilian player Rodrygo Goes at the start of extra time and he would go on to score the winning goal.

Elche thought they had scored an equaliser on the stroke of full-time but it wasn’t to be after the whistle was blown for a foul on Madrid defender Eder Militao. Pere Milla protested the decision to disallow the goal and he was sent off after being given a second yellow card.

In the quarterfinals, Real Madrid will face hosts Athletic Bilbao.