Real Madrid vs. Cornella: Score, Report and Reaction from Copa del Rey Game

Real Madrid advanced to the last 16 of the Copa del Rey following a 5-0 victory over third-tier side Cornella on Tuesday at the Estadio Bernabeu.

After a 4-1 victory in the first leg at Cornella in late October, Real easily won the two-legged round-of-32 tie 9-1 on aggregate.

James Rodriguez scored the opener for Real in the 16th minute shortly after Cornella missed a penalty that would have given the visitors a shocking lead. Isco doubled Madrid's advantage in the 32nd minute moments before James added his second to give Real a 3-0 half-time lead.

In the second half, Cornella's Borja Lopez put into his own net before Real substitute Jese Rodriguez—who was making his return from a long-term injury—capped the scoring 12 minutes from time.

In the round of 16, Real will likely face local rivals Atletico Madrid, who face lower-division side L'Hospitalet in the round of 32.

In addition, Tuesday's victory kept alive Real's outstanding run of form. Carlo Ancelotti's side has surged to the top of the Liga table with 10 consecutive victories and has won a club-record 17 straight matches in all competitions.

Real will try to extend their winning streak Saturday at home to Celta Vigo in league play.

As expected, Real dominated from the start, quickly staking out positions in Cornella's defensive third. But the visitors held firm for the first 10 minutes and won a penalty in the 14th minute following an Alvaro Arbeloa challenge on Xavi Boniquet.

Cornella had a golden chance to take a surprising lead at the Bernabeu, but Boniquet skied his spot-kick well over the bar.

It was a let-off for Real Madrid, and within moments, the hosts took full advantage.

Daniel Ochoa de Olza/Associated Press

In the 16th minute, a flowing team move found Isco in space outside Cornella's box. Spotting James' run, Isco slid an angled ball through to the Colombian, who held his composure and chipped past goalkeeper Inigo Alberto for the opening goal.

Madrid kept attacking and found a second goal in the 32nd minute. James played the role of provider, taking possession near the midfield stripe before unlocking the defence with a slide-rule pass to Isco. After taking a touch, Isco chipped over Alberto for a 2-0 lead.

Moments later it was 3-0. This time, Isco chipped a pass to Chicharito along the edge of the box, where the Mexican used a delightful backheel touch to pick out James. From there, James curled in expertly for his second goal of the night.

Leading by three goals at half-time, Real were all but assured of progressing to the next round. But the hosts received an injury blow in the 55th minute, when midfielder Sami Khedira left the pitch with an apparent head injury following a clash with Cornella's David Garcia. He was replaced by Jese.

Real scored their fourth goal in the 60th minute. Arbeloa created the chance with a scooped pass to Hernandez on the right side of the box. With his first touch, Chicharito tipped a shot onto the underside of the crossbar and onto the goal line, with the ball then bouncing in off Lopez for an own goal.

The hosts weren't quite done yet. A fifth goal arrived in the 77th via Jese, who finished from a tight angle on the right following Isco's strong dribble down the middle.

Reaction

Jese Rodriguez (via Football Espana):

"

I'm very happy for the victory and my return. It's been eight months of suffering. Thanks to the Coach and the President. They've helped me a lot, and I love the fans very much for their support. I've especially missed playing with the team and being around my teammates. I also dedicate (my goal) to the Santiago Bernabeu and my physio for my recovery.

"