SPORT: Sevilla 3 – 3 Real Madrid [Copa Del Rey] Highlights 2016/17

0 KIKI GIST Friday, January 13, 2017

A six-goal thriller at the Sanchez Pizjuan threatened to end the Merengue’s incredible unbeaten run, but their French star popped up to earn a tie

Real Madrid made Spanish football history as they drew 3-3 in a thrilling Copa del Rey clash with Sevilla that sends them into the quarter-finals with a 6-3 aggregate win.

Karim Benzema equalised with the last kick of the match to book their place in the last eight and set a record of 40 games without defeat, surpassing the tally set by Luis Enrique’s Barcelona.

Madrid were without Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric as Zidane appeared to put faith in the 3-0 lead built up in the first leg, only to see his side fall behind nine minutes in through a Danilo own goal.

Sevilla attacked relentlessly and fully deserved their half-time advantage, although Wissam Ben Yedder in particular wasted glorious chances to build a bigger lead that could have made Madrid more nervous.

Marco Asensio levelled after the break, racing from his own half to slot home in a style reminiscent of Gareth Bale’s final-winning strike from 2014, but debutant Stevan Jovetic volleyed Sevilla back in front moments later.

Jorge Sampaoli’s side continued to press while Madrid wasted good openings on the counter-attack, and Vicente Iborra turned in with 13 minutes left to leave the visitors fearing a late collapse.

But a penalty from Sergio Ramos and a deflected shot following a fine run from Benzema ensured Madrid progress with their remarkable unbeaten run intact.

Kiko Casilla, who kept his place in the side following the first leg, had to beat a Sergio Escudero effort away after only 30 seconds as Sevilla set about giving themselves hope of a shock comeback.

Joaquin Correa had the keeper at full stretch as the Sevilla pressure grew and Madrid soon handed them a lifeline. Danilo stretched to meet Pablo Sarabia’s swerving cross from the right but contrived only to head into his own net.