Watch ex-Chelsea ace Eden Hazard score superb extra-time winner as ten-man Real Madrid scrape into Copa del Rey quarters
EDEN HAZARD saved Real Madrid's blushes as his well-taken extra-time winner sent Real Madrid into the Copa del Rey quarter-finals.
Los Blancos squeezed past Elche courtesy of Hazard's goal deep into extra-time, keeping their hopes of a historic QUADRUPLE this season alive.
Hazard has been linked with a move away from Real Madrid this month after a disappointing stint in Spain, but might be sticking around a little while longer after tonight.
With the score level at 1-1, and Real Madrid down to ten men following Marcelo's sending off, Hazard was released by David Alaba.
The ex-Chelsea man kept his cool, rounded the goalkeeper, and expertly slotted into the back of the net for just his FIRST goal of the season in all competitions.
A drab game sparked into life in extra time, having finished 0-0 after 90 minutes.
A wild 30 minutes saw Marcelo shown red after fouling as the last man, with Elche taking the lead just two minutes later through Verdu.
Isco levelled things up just after the extra-time interval, diverting a Dani Ceballos effort into the corner to set up a grandstand final ten minutes.
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The last 16 clash seemed destined to be heading to penalties until Hazard's goal five minutes from time broke Elche hearts.
Things then went from bad to worse for the side currently 15th in LaLiga, as Pere Milla saw red in the closing seconds of the game.
Yet again Hazard was forced to start a game from the bench - only introduced at the beginning of extra-time.
But he made his case for a spot in Carlo Ancelotti's starting line-up for the future with a moment of pure quality.
A Spanish Super Cup triumph is already in the books this season for Real, with the club also currently leading LaLiga, as well as still competing in both the Champions League and Copa del Rey.
Los Blancos fans will even be dreaming of a historic quadruple come the end of the season.
But Hazard might not be there to witness it.
The 31-year-old has been linked with a return to Stamford Bridge this month, with Chelsea one of a number of teams reportedly interested in his signature.
Newcastle and Everton are also reportedly keen, with Hazard starting just eight games in all competitions so far this campaign.
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