Elche vs. Real Madrid: 3 stars, 2 flops from 2-1 win in Copa del Rey

Real Madrid gave its fans quite the scare in Round of 16 of the Copa del Rey, as they did not score during regulation and conceded the first goal of extra time to Elche on the road. But two late, late goals from surprising sources in Isco and Eden Hazard pulled Los Blancos ahead. They would hold on for a 2-1 win, advancing to the quarterfinals of the competitions.

Hazard and Isco were certainly stars for their goals in the win, but which starters starred for Los Blancos in this nervy win? And which two starters were flops for the first-place team in LaLiga?

Here is a look at the players who helped Real Madrid advance, as well as those who nearly cost the team with their passivity.

Star: CB David Alaba

The official Man of the Match, David Alaba deserves just as much credit for the game-winning play as Eden Hazard.

Alaba spotted Hazard’s run off the shoulder of the defenders and played a perfect pass, curving from the left to the center of the pitch. The long-time Bayern Munich star moved to left back later in the match with Casemiro shifting inside as something of a center back, and that ended up being a match-winning tweak in the end.

One of the club’s most consistent players this season, Alaba has been indispensable. The free-agent signing is a leader for Real at the heart of the defense, and he often leads by example. He did so against Elche with his ball-carrying, passing, and, of course, assist. And defensively, he was the most stable member of the back four, as the other players, especially Marcelo, struggled significantly.