In order to avoid suffering following their comeback victory over Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey by a score of 3-1, Karim Benzema advises Real Madrid to score goals sooner in games.
Until Rodrygo canceled out Alvaro Morata’s opening goal in the closing 15 minutes of regular time at the Santiago Bernabeu, Los Blancos were unable to score.
His outstanding solo goal on Thursday’s quarterfinal match forced extra time, and subsequent goals from Benzema and Vinicius Junior solidified the reversal for the home team.
The current Ballon d’Or winner notes that his team struggled at times to earn a berth in the final four, but emphasizes that they always had the ability to rebound.
“It was a very difficult and complicated game,” the France international reflected afterwards. “But with the players and talent we have, we knew we could make a comeback of it.
“Perhaps we need to score goals sooner, because we don’t like to suffer. Atletico positioned themselves well, got in behind, and that cost us. Rodrygo’s response was a great goal.”
Vinicius’s goal provided a happy ending to a trying day that saw an effigy of the Brazilian winger being hanging from a bridge close to Real Madrid’s training facility ahead of the derby.
In his post-game remarks, coach Carlo Ancelotti congratulated the 22-year-old and said there was never any question he would miss the game despite the incident.
“Vinicius has always wanted to play and was very focused on the game,” he said. “He played a great game. What happened elsewhere today has been very regrettable.”