Elche 1-2 Real Madrid: Hazard goal caps controversial comeback
The home side were denied a late equaliser by the referee
Real Madrid came from behind to beat Elche 2-1 after extra-time and progress to the quarterfinal of the Copa del Rey but the win was not without controversy.
Verdu opened the scoring for Elche at the start of extra-time but fortunate goals from Isco and Eden Hazard helped Madrid clinch the win despite playing with 10 men from the 102nd minute.
Referee Figueroa Vázquez took centre stage at the end, though, as he ruled out a late Elche leveller for a supposed foul by Verdu on Lucas Vazquez before Fidel scored.
The Madrid full-back had fallen brazenly, but the referee felt it was enough to rule out the goal and assure Madrid's passage into the last eight.
After a goalless 90 minutes, Madrid were reduced to 10 in the first half of extra-time when captain Marcelo was sent off.
Elche looked on course for the win when, moments later, Verdu opened the scoring at the Manuel Martínez Valero stadium to send the home fans wild.
However, Carlo Ancelotti's substitutes helped Madrid turn the game around, with Isco levelling before forgotten man Eden Hazard scored the winner in the 115th minute.
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