TRILOGI Part III

Valencia 1 – 1 Real Madrid

Casillas Injured. 2 Red Cards

Despite losing Iker Casillas due to injuries and two players sent off in the second half, Real Madrid were able to hold Valencia duty and reserve a place in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey. Madrid will await the results of the match between Barcelona and Malaga (aggregate 2-2) to find out who their opponent in the next round.

Valencia started the game quickly and get a gift free kick from 30 yards after Xabi Alonso foul and get a yellow card in return. Tino Costa, who executed free kick, saw the ball changed direction after hitting Cristiano Ronaldo and floated over the crossbar.

Madrid then respond via two chances. The first opportunity came when Alonso find Ronaldo at the Valencia penalty area and fired a shot that was successfully thwarted by Vicente Guaita. Two minutes later, they again had a chance when Alvaro Arbeloa do overlap from the left before sending a cross towards the penalty area, but it just leads to the far post without a single person managed to touch it.
 
In the 15th minute, Arbeloa accidentally kicked Iker Casillas wrist when he tried to throw the ball from the danger area. Casillas had to be treated by a physiotherapist for some time to overcome the injury. At first they just bandage the hand Casillas, but after discussion Casillas shook his head and left the game to be replaced by Antonio Adan.
When Valencia seems to be through the first half without conceding, Madrid attack and break their goal. In the 44th minute, Madrid did the throw-in quickly towards Xabi Alonso, who then send feedback to the feet of Karim Benzema. The Sriker Valencia ran in the penalty box and direct the ball into the bottom left corner of the goal.

Behind the door open to return to Valencia in the 51st minute when Fabio Coentrao mendapakan second yellow card after a deliberate handball, leaving Madrid with 10 players. 
Los Che managed to take advantage of the number of players four minutes later when Tino Costa's free kick past everyone in the penalty area and Adan to change the position to be 1-1. In the 88th minute, Los Merengues lost one player anymore. This time it was Angel Di Maria who failed to hold his temper and kick off toward Joao Pereira. Referee mercilessly direct a red card and make Madrid must continue the match with nine players at the end of the game.

 However, this situation was too late to turn things around Valencia. But clearly the referee's decision will affect the state of Madrid in the semi-finals by losing two players.

 

 Valencia (1) vs (1) Real Madrid