Copa del Rey: Real hopeful of Ronaldo inspiration in Madrid derby

Atletico come to Bernabeu with two-goal first-leg advantage

KARACHI: Just days after being awarded the Ballon d’Or, Cristiano Ronaldo will be looking to help Real Madrid overcome a two-goal deficit when city rivals Atletico visit the Santiago Bernabeu in the second leg of their Copa del Rey round of 16 clash.

The Portuguese started the match as a substitute in the first leg at the Vicente Calderon as both teams rested their main players but was unable to inspire his side after coming on from the bench as Real fell to a 2-0 defeat.

Two second-half goals — the first by Raul Garcia from the spot and the second by Jose Gimenez with a glancing header from a corner — mean that Atletico will go into the tie as favourites. The ease with which Real’s formidable attacking line-up was kept quiet by Atletico will be of particular concern for Carlo Ancelotti, especially with his side requiring to score at least twice to have any chance of progression.

However, the Italian was typically bullish of his side’s chances of progressing at the expense of their neighbours. “We have a chance. It is clear that Atletico have the advantage but at home anything can happen. The odds aren’t in our favour but we will try our best,” he had said after the first leg.

On the other hand, even one goal by Atletico would spell curtains for the Blancos as they would have to score four in order to progress; considering how organised Diego Simeone’s side usually is, there is very little chance of that happening. The Argentine, though, is not taking anything for granted. “We have a lot of respect for Real Madrid. They have a great coach and squad and the tie is definitely not over.”

Elche looking for miracle

Elche will be hosting Barcelona and nothing short of a historical meltdown by their visitors will see them have any chance of making it into the quarter-finals.

The Catalan club won 5-0 at home to virtually put the tie to bed, with Neymar, Lionel Messi and Suarez all getting on the score sheet. Jose Enrique will now in all likelihood give the youngsters a chance, especially considering the hectic schedule of the months ahead.

 

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