Copa del Rey: Endrick rescues Real Madrid in victory over Celta Vigo, Athletic Club eliminated

Real Madrid squandered a two-goal advantage but ultimately secured a 5-2 victory after extra time against Celta Vigo on Thursday, advancing to the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey, with young talent Endrick scoring twice.

Following a disheartening 5-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup the previous weekend, Madrid appeared to be on course for a comfortable win until two late goals from Celta compelled the match into extra time.

The players and coach Carlo Ancelotti were met with jeers upon their return after the loss in Saudi Arabia, making their path to the quarter-finals more challenging than anticipated.

Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring with a remarkable goal before halftime, despite Celta's fervent protests regarding what they believed was a clear penalty in Madrid's penalty area moments earlier.

Vinicius added a second goal early in the second half, allowing Madrid to assert control, but Jonathan Bamba's late strike reignited Celta's hopes in the closing minutes.

Marcos Alonso converted a penalty after Bamba was fouled in stoppage time, which led to the extension of the match.

Teenager Endrick restored Madrid's lead, Fede Valverde added a powerful fourth goal, and Endrick completed the scoring with a clever backheel, securing a victory that, while entertaining, did little to alleviate concerns regarding their defensive weaknesses.

One of the few positives Madrid could draw from their Super Cup defeat was Mbappe's performance and goal in Jeddah.

The former Paris Saint-Germain star appeared to regain his form and continued to impress for Madrid after a challenging start in the Spanish capital.

Mbappe's opening goal was executed brilliantly, although it was surrounded by controversy as Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin seemed to have fouled Williot Swedberg in the area.

The referee did not award a penalty, and Madrid quickly countered, with Mbappe skillfully maneuvering past a defender and finishing decisively.

Celta hoped that VAR would prompt the referee to reconsider the penalty incident, but no such review occurred, and Mbappe's goal remained valid.

Vinicius netted Madrid's second goal shortly after the start of the second half, executing a composed finish following a combination play between Mbappe and Brahim Diaz that set him up.

Celta, eager to find a way back into the match, opened up their play, while Madrid capitalized by creating several additional clear opportunities.

Mbappe narrowly missed with a header from close range after receiving a cross from Diaz, as Los Blancos began to find their rhythm, yet they were unable to extend their lead.

Carl Starfelt made a crucial clearance off the line for Celta after Vinicius attempted to lob goalkeeper Ivan Villar in pursuit of a third goal.

At the opposite end, Lunin made a vital save, tipping over a long-range shot from Hugo Sotelo to keep the Galicians at bay.

Madrid substitute Arda Guler found the net for the hosts, but the goal was ruled out for offside against Vinicius during the buildup.

Celta managed to score in the 83rd minute when Eduardo Camavinga carelessly lost possession near his own area, allowing Bamba to strike and set up a tense conclusion.

The visitors were rewarded when Raul Asencio clumsily fouled Bamba in the penalty area, leading Alonso to convert the penalty into the bottom right corner, thus taking the match into extra time.

Endrick, the 18-year-old Brazilian striker for Madrid, seized an opportunity and fired a powerful shot from the edge of the box to give his team the lead after 108 minutes.

Valverde followed suit with an unstoppable strike from 25 yards, leaving Villar with no chance as he extended Madrid's advantage.

Endrick sealed the victory for the Spanish and European champions with an inventive backheel finish from close range.

Earlier, Osasuna eliminated cup holders Athletic Bilbao with an exciting 3-2 victory at San Mames, while Real Sociedad triumphed over Rayo Vallecano with a 3-1 win.

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid also advanced to the quarter-finals on Wednesday.