Madrid (AFP)
Real Madrid crossed with difficulty to the 16th round of the Spanish Football Cup, by defeating its host, 1-0, at Caserinho, in the fourth division, with the goal of Brazilian Rodrigo.
The royal club had to wait until the 69th minute, and a moment of brilliance from Rodrigo, who made a skillful break, penetrated into the area between two players and curled the ball into the goal.
Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti’s team played in the absence of many stars, such as French striker Karim Benzema, midfielder Luka Modric and German Toni Kroos.
On Tuesday, Valencia, Espanyol, Villarreal, Levante, Suita and Sporting Gijon also qualified for the round of 16.
Real Madrid had resumed the competition, after stopping for the Qatar World Cup, by beating its host Valladolid 2-0 in the league with a “double” by Benzema, to equal points with rival Barcelona in the lead, who tied with Espanyol.