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Real Madrid coach Ancelotti defends Vini Jr as Atletico win stunning Copa tie

Atletico Madrid struck twice in extra-time to dump holders Real Madrid out of the Copa del Rey.

With the scores locked at 2-2, Atletico ace Antoine Griezmann and Roman Riquelme to secure Atletico a stunning 4-2 win.

Real coach Carlo Ancelotti later said: "It's not easy to weigh up this match. We played well, we competed until the end, we fought hard and we came back from a goal down twice. There were lots of chances, two crossbars and a disallowed goal. We lost the game when we took unnecessary risks, we lost possession and they punished us. It was a very good game on our part. We couldn't have done more, for a range of reasons. We have to think about recovering well and trying to win on Sunday.

"Atlético, like us, made a tremendous effort. Nobody deserved to lose. We lost, but we have to look forward. We gave everything, I have nothing to reproach my players for. As in all derbies there are disputes, but in the end it was a good game.

"I don't want to make individual analyses here. We could have done better when the game was tied, we didn't need to force as many plays but we did. There were some schoolboy errors and that was the key.

"We were at a disadvantage against Atlético because they have had a week to prepare for the game and physically they had a bit more energy. But we competed until the 120th minute and it didn't look like we were tired. Now we have two weeks to work well and improve our fitness.

"We're very solid in LaLiga and less so in the cups. Atlético have dangerous players who score a lot of goals, especially at the Metropolitano. Yes, we conceded, but we have also scored a lot of goals, which is not so easy."

On Vini Jr's performance, Ancelotti added: "He had more difficulty in the first half, but in the second half he was decisive in winning the game back. He provided the assist for the second goal and was a constant threat. His game was at a very high level, even if he didn't score. Little by little he'll learn. It was a very competitive match where he had a lot of clashes and you're not always able to keep a cool head. I think it's quite understandable. For me he played his game, he had his chances and he battled."

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