Endrick’s extra-time heroics lift Real Madrid past Celta in Copa del Rey thriller

Real Madrid survived a scare to secure a 5-2 extra-time victory over Celta Vigo on 16 January, advancing to the Copa del Rey quarter-finals.

Teenager Endrick stole the show with two decisive goals in the additional period after Los Blancos had squandered a two-goal lead.

Still reeling from a humiliating 5-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup, Madrid faced whistles from fans at the Santiago Bernabéu as they returned to action.

]What initially appeared to be a straightforward match turned chaotic when two late goals from Celta forced extra time.

Madrid took the lead through Kylian Mbappé's brilliant first-half strike, but not without controversy. Moments earlier, Celta vehemently protested what seemed to be a clear penalty after goalkeeper Andriy Lunin appeared to bring down Williot Swedberg in the box.

The referee waved play on, and Madrid countered swiftly, with Mbappé showcasing his trademark pace and clinical finishing.

Despite appeals for VAR intervention, the goal stood, leaving Celta furious and giving Madrid a crucial advantage at the break.

Vinicius Jr doubled Madrid's advantage early in the second half, calmly finishing after interplay involving Mbappé and Brahim Díaz.

As Celta pushed forward, gaps opened in their defence, allowing Madrid to create further chances.

Mbappé headed over from close range, and Carl Starfelt cleared off the line to deny Vinicius, who had lobbed the goalkeeper in search of a third goal. At the other end, Lunin made a vital save from a long-range Hugo Sotelo effort.

However, Madrid's defensive vulnerabilities surfaced late on. Eduardo Camavinga's sloppy pass gifted possession to Jonathan Bamba, who capitalised with a clinical finish in the 83rd minute.

Celta's persistence paid off in stoppage time when Raúl Asencio clumsily fouled Bamba in the box, allowing Marcos Alonso to slot home the equaliser from the penalty spot and force extra time.

Real Madrid's teenage sensation Endrick restored the lead in the 108th minute with a powerful strike from the edge of the area. Fede Valverde then produced a thunderous 25-yard effort to make it 4-2, leaving Celta's goalkeeper Ivan Villar helpless.

Endrick sealed the win in style, finishing with an audacious backheel from close range to cap a memorable night for the 18-year-old and his team.

Despite the victory, questions remain over Madrid's defensive frailties. However, Endrick's performance offered a glimpse of the club's promising future.

Speaking after the match, Carlo Ancelotti praised the young striker's impact: "He showed hunger and quality when we needed it most."

Earlier in the evening, Osasuna eliminated holders Athletic Bilbao with a thrilling 3-2 win at San Mamés, while Real Sociedad defeated Rayo Vallecano 3-1.

Barcelona and Atlético Madrid had already secured their places in the quarter-finals on 15 January.