Real Madrid’s treble dreams end with Copa del Rey exit

By Joseph Ayinde

Real Madrid saw their hopes of winning a Treble this season dashed on Thursday night after they lost 1-0 to Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals.

Alex Berenguer netted a late winner in the 89th minute to record a famous win.

Athletic had dominated the match at San Mames without being able to make a breakthrough until that point.

Madrid’s best chance fell to Casemiro, whose low second-half shot was saved by keeper Julen Agirrezabala.

Carlo Ancelotti’s men went into the game without injured top scorer Karim Benzema and without a recognised left-back, with Ferland Mendy, Marcelo and Miguel Gutierrez all absent.

Ancelotti opted for David Alaba on the left, and selected a front three of Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes and Marco Asensio.

Los Blancos are still top of LaLiga and face Paris Saint-Germain in the knockout stages of the Champions League.

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