(Football news) Real Madrid once again came back from behind to win 3-1 against arch rivals Atletico Madrid. Los Blancos were in the midst of an injury crisis going into the game as Aurélien Tchouaméni, Dani Carvajal, Lucas Vazquez and Eden Hazard were out injured. David Alaba had returned to full training but he still didn’t make it to the squad. Atlético Madrid on the other hand were also missing 2 key players in Jose Gimenez and Marcos Llorente. Both teams lined up in a 4-3-3 as the Santiago Bernabéu was pumped up for its first game in 78 days. 

The start however was not what the Bernabéu wanted but it was something that is expected. Real Madrid started the game a little slow as Atletico Madrid were winning key battles all over the pitch. Real Madrid did get a couple of good chances but it was the Rojiblancos who took the lead in the 19th minute. Alvaro Morata came back to haunt his former club as latched onto Nahuel Molina’s cross. Real Madrid’s injury woes became worse as Ferland Mendy had to go off with injury as he was replaced by Dani Ceballos, who took Eduardo Camavinga’s place in midfield while the Frenchman slotted in at left back. 

At that point Real Madrid had a center back playing at right back, a center midfielder playing at left back. In the 1st half Atletico Madrid was by far the better team as Real Madrid struggled to create any substantial chances. In the 2nd half Real Madrid came out with much more control and intensity. Carlo Ancelotti brought on Rodrygo and Marco Asensio to replace Toni Kroos and Fede Valverde. The move worked really well as Los Blancos equalized in the 79th minute. Rodrygo carried the ball from 30 yards out dribbling past 4 Atletico Madrid players in the process before beating Jan Oblak’s near post with an outside the boot finish. 

Real Madrid got control of the game from then on but couldn’t score the winner in normal time. The game went into extra time where Atletico Madrid’s problems worsened as Stefan Savic was sent off after getting brooked twice in 3 minutes. Karim Benzema had his say as he scored the winner in the 104th minute. Vinicius Jr put the icing on the cake as he ran from the halfway line to score an incredible solo goal. Real Madrid will now face one of Athletic Club, Barcelona and Osasuna in the semi final. Atletico Madrid on the other hand have lost their last opportunity to win a piece of silverware this season.

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