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| Callejon and Di Maria were the most valuable players of the match |
Real Madrid made its debut in the only official competition in which it had yet to embark at home following the Spanish Super Cup, la Liga and the Champions League. It did so with a new starting line-up in which academy players filled more than half the positions. Notable among the young players trained in 'The Factory' were Cheryshev, who made his first team debut in an official match, becoming the first Russian to do so.
Mourinho had already made clear in the press room that it was not a matter of relying on the 1-4 first-leg score but winning and offering a great game for those that came to the Bernabeu. Real Madrid went out ready to put their coach's philosophy into practice, in spite of their difficult start to the match. Albiol, who was acting as captain, had to leave the field after a tackle from David Torres in the first minutes of the match. Coentrão went on in his place. It was the Portuguese who initiated the play that lead to their first chance at goal. Modric's on target volley from the front of the area was saved by a beautiful stretch from keeper Adrian Murcia in the 8th minute.
It was a twenty minute wait until the Whites' next opportunity at goal, despite their dominating the match. Academy player Nacho made a run and delivered a cross right to Cheryshev's feet. The player from the Russian national side overcame a visiting defender but was then stopped by the Alcoyano keeper. Callejón was unable to take advantage of the following rebound. He was also involved in the last incursion of the first half. The Whites' midfielder took a great free kick and Adrian Murcia replied in spectacular fashion. He left the ball loose but was back in place to clear Varane's subsequent shot for a corner. The visiting keeper was becoming the star of the match.
The Whites turned up the intensity in the second half, bearing down on their rivals with greater energy. As a result Alcoyano now struggled to make headway with the ball and the match became increasingly vertical. Morata almost opened the scoring from the front of the area after a great collective effort but his shot in the 60th went high. Di Maria's arrival a minute later, and Benzema's in the 70th lent the team even more bite.
From then on the Whites became a force to be reckoned with and the first goal now came quickly. Callejón made a run and delivered the ball to Benzema. The French player spotted Di María and assisted the Argentinian who then scored against an inspired Adrian Murcia in the 71st. Javi Selva complained to the referee and was given a second yellow card, leaving the visiting side a player short. The second goal almost came in the 87th but while the stands were already celebrating, Benzema's shot went high. They came even closer to the second goal a minute later when Di María hit the cross bar after a one-on-one with the keeper. When the second goal did arrive it was soon followed by a third. Both were scored by Callejon. The academy player took advantage of an assist from Özil to score his first in the 89th and another from Di Maria to seal the match in extra time. The Whiteshave scored in their last thirteen matches in the tournament and remain unbeaten on their home turf this season in the dozen matches they've played with eight wins and two draws. This Thursday they'll know who their next rival is, either Almeria or Celta.
Summary
Stadium: Santiago Bernabeu
Attendance: 35,000
Goals:1-0, m.72: Di Maria. 2-0, m.89: Callejon. 3-0, m.92: Callejon.
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