Carlo Ancelotti has broken his silence and dismissed a feud with Rodrygo after he withdrew him in Real Madrid’s thrilling 3-2 win over Villarreal in the Copa del Rey.
Etienne Capoue fired Villarreal into a shock lead in the opening five minutes before Samuel Chukwueze doubled his side’s advantage ahead of half-time.
However, Ancelotti’s men launched a stunning comeback in the second half of the last-16 Copa del Rey tie at the El Madrigal on Thursday.
Vinicius Junior pulled one back for Madrid before Eder Militao fired home the all-important equaliser, with Dani Ceballos scoring the winner in the 86th minute.
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Madrid’s 3-2 win ensured them a place in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey, but their performance was somewhat overshadowed by Ancelotti and Rodrygo’s drama.
Rodrygo was withdrawn early into the second half and replaced by Marco Asensio, with the Brazilian forward appearing unhappy with Ancelotti’s decision.
Ancelotti was spotted giving a no-nonsense talk to the 22-year-old Rodrygo after the Madrid star sat long-faced on the bench.
The Madrid boss spoke about the incident after the match, with Ancelotti revealing that his player didn’t shake his hand when he was withdrawn for Asensio.
“I told him not to forget to offer me his hand when he was substituted. I think he forgot,” Ancelotti said.
Ancelotti also dismissed any serious rivalry between Vinicius and Villarreal ‘keeper Pepe Reina during the second half of the Copa del Rey clash.
A furious Reina didn’t mince his words and shouted down at the 22-year-old Brazilian winger after Vinicius was left covering his face following a strike from Aissa Mandi.
“Reina was a bit upset with Vinicius, it was nothing more than that,” Ancelotti added.
“Vinicius was kicked a lot during the game, as always.”
Speaking on Madrid’s win, Ancelotti said: “We were not good in the first half but the team showed great character in the second.
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“We fought for everything and changed the story of the game.”
The next-round draw for the Copa del Rey will be held on Friday, with Real Sociedad, Sevilla, Valencia, Athletic Bilbao, Atletico Madrid, Osasuna, Barcelona and Real Madrid qualifying for the quarter-finals.
Topics: Rodrygo, Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid, Villarreal, Copa Del Rey, Football, Spain
Adnan Riaz