Copa Del Rey 2015, Real Madrid vs Atlético de Madrid: Match Report

Real Madrid's title defense of the Copa Del Rey ended as Atlético Madrid earned a 2-2 draw in the second leg, sending them through 4-2 on aggregate. A fantastic performance from Isco was a toupee on an otherwise bald performance by Real Madrid.

Atlético pulled the plug at a very electric Bernabéu just seconds into the game when a mistimed tackle by Pepe sprung Antoine Griezmann who assisted Fernando Torres just 48 seconds in. It was Torres' first goal since returning to Atléti, and it was enough to effectively end the tie. The once-maligned and mocked Chelsea striker handled Griezmann's cross superbly, blasting a half-volley past Navas, who couldn't do a thing about it.

Now needing four goals, Real pushed everyone forward, save for Ramos and Pepe. Real stayed true to what's worked all season by dominating the wings with quick passes by Marcelo, Ronaldo, Bale, and Carvajal, but Atléti's defense weren't phased by it. Real finally found the net after 20 minutes the way Atléti typically do -- on a set piece.

Cristiano Ronaldo had his legs swept out from under him just outside Atléti's box, and Toni Kroos curled the ensuing free kick to the far post. Feelings of déjà vu filled Madrid fans as Sergio Ramos headed it home, but there wouldn't be any more magic from the FIFA World XI selection (in fact, Ramos went on to have a very poor game).

Chances kept rolling in, and at the 35 minute mark Real Madrid held 81 percent of the ball, but they couldn't add anything more and went into the half needing three second half goals.

And in eerie similarity, Madrid were (again) caught sleep-walking to start the half, and Torres (again) delivered the final knockout blow. An appalling Sergio Ramos pass from the back line was picked off by Griezmann, who (again) dished it to Fernando Torres who (again) slotted it past Navas. This time, it took Torres only 35 seconds to re-extend Atléti's lead.

Real Madrid equalized in the 54th minute, with recent Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo heading a Gareth Bale cross in. Bale kept a Marcelo pass inbounds by chipping it across the touchline, where it met a cutting Ronaldo. It was a goal beautifully picked out by Bale and masterfully headed by Ronaldo, but both skipped any celebrations as they ran back to midfield to keep the game rolling, but it would be all Madrid had left.

Just after Ronaldo's goal, Ramos picked up a yellow card, which is the least surprising thing I will ever write. His booking marked the beginning of a very forgettable second half as Real looked tired, uninterested despite the (relatively) high stakes of the game. Varane came on for an injured Pepe (no word has been released about the severity of his knock yet), and Jesé replaced James, but neither sub had much of an effect.

Atléti were in perfect position to close out the game by dropping everyone in defense and beating up Madrid as they tried to press forward. Atléti collected only nine fouls, way down from 23 in the first leg, but their physicality did well to frustrate Ancelotti's men. In the final 10 minutes, Marcelo, Carvajal, and Isco all collected yellow cards for regrettable tackles.

Real outshot Atléti 31 to 10, and finished with 61 percent possession, but it was all for nothing as they're now winless in their last four(!) matches against Atlético Madrid.