Real Madrid stunned by Celta in Copa clash

After not losing in 40 games, Madrid have now lost two in a row and Zidane's side now face an uphill struggle to qualify for the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey after they were beaten 2-1 at home in the first leg of this Copa clash.

The La Liga leaders were far off the pace as they were shocked at home by an impressive Celta Vigo side.

Clear-cut chances were few and far between in the first half, but Madrid just edged the play, but couldn't find a way past Sergio Alvarez in the Celta goal.

Sergio Ramos and Cristiano Ronaldo had Madrid's best chances in the first 45 minutes. The former headed an effort straight at Alvarez via a deflection off his own arm, while Ronaldo couldn't connect properly with a good chance to score after Ramos had surged forward from defence.

Meanwhile for Celta, Iago Aspas wasted a good chance to cross for team-mate Daniel Wass who was completely unmarked in the Madrid box, with very few 'Blancos' players back.

Ronaldo also had a strong appeal for a penalty after he felt he was pulled back upon entering the area but replays showed that it would have been an extremely soft penalty and possibly even outside the area.

Madrid appeared to have come out strongly and substitute Alvaro Morata fired a powerful effort just over the bar.

The Spaniard was made to rue his missed chance by fellow countryman Aspas, who put Celta ahead when Marcelo could only flick a cross from the left straight into his path. The former Liverpool forward kept his cool and fired past Kiko Casilla and a number of Madrid defenders rushing back to the goalline to try to block the shot.

Madrid then equalised within five minutes when Celta failed to defend a cross from the right wing and the ball was headed out to Marcelo. The full-back rifled a well struck volley past Alvarez and Madrid were then expected to push on for a winner.

However, it couldn't have been any more different for Zidane's side as Aspas took advantage of some sloppy Madrid play in midfield, playing in team-mate Jonny who cooly finished past Casilla.

Madrid were gifted a golden oportunity to equalise when the ball fell to substitute Benzema 10 yards out, but the Frenchman blazed over with the goal gaping.

Celta hung on for an important win and have given themselves an excellent chance of qualifying for the semi-finals of the competition.