(Football news) Athletic Club scored a late goal via Alex Berenguer to win 1-0 against Real Madrid to qualify for the Copa del Rey semi finals. Berenguer scored in the 89th minute after Real Madrid failed to play out from the back for the umteenth time. The Los Blancos didn't manage to create a single chance in the whole game in what was a completely lackluster performance.

Real were missing Ferland Mendy and Karim Benzema but they had enough fire power on the bench which Carlo Ancelotti chose not to use. He started with Marco Asensio as a false 9 instead of the proper striker Luka Jovic The Italian didn't use Eden Hazard, Gareth Bale and Luka Jovic who were fit and on the bench. In the post match press conference, Ancelotti said that he was going to make the subs in extra time but Bilbao scored very late. Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo and Casemiro started despite their late arrival from international duty.

The comment reflects on how Ancelotti never wanted to win the game in normal time and almost played like underdogs. Throughout the game, Real Madrid defended really well despite Athletic Club having loads of possession. Their troubles started when they got the possession as no Real Madrid player could play out from the back due to Bilbao's high press. Real Madrid were lethargic in attack and despite a 12 day break their players looked knackered.

Real Madrid played too much through the wing and often ignored the spaces in the center. Marcelino's men did very well in putting 2-3 players constantly on Vinicius Jr and not allowing him any breathing space. The goal came after Casemiro misplaced a pass and Berenguer sold Nacho with a body faint. It could be said that if Mendy was fit Nacho wouldn't have played and it would have been difficult for Berenguer to do that to David Alaba who was playing at left back. Luka Modric and Toni Kroos were very quiet throughout the game which is a result of Bilbao's energetic pressing. Not having a proper number 9 did cost Real Madrid a lot as both Asensio and Rodrygo tried playing in that position but couldn't manage to hold the ball.

Real Madrid have some sort of curse when it comes to the Copa del Rey. The Los Blancos have won only 2 Cups in the last 29 seasons. Real Madrid's season could easily go downhill from here and it is the responsibility of Ancelotti and the leaders in the squad to keep their heads. Los Blancos still have the advantage in the League and are still alive in the Champions League. Their next game is against Granada where they will be without Vinicius Jr and Karim Benzema. It will be interesting to see how Madrid cope without two of their best players once again.

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