Copa del Rey: Torres brace lifts Atletico past Real Madrid, Barca cruise

Fernando Torres struck twice to reaffirm his place in Atletico Madrid hearts and send arch-rivals Real Madrid crashing out of the Copa del Rey 4-2 on aggregate.

The former Liverpool and Chelsea striker scored his first two goals since rejoining his boyhood club as Atleti claimed a 2-2 draw at the Bernabeu to reach the last eight of the competition.

Barcelona will be Atletico's opponents as they beat lowly Elche 4-0 to seal a 9-0 win on aggregate.

Leadig 5-0 from the first leg, the Catalans were ruthless, despite sending out a young team. Jeremy Mathieu's supeb curling free kick opened the scoring in the 21st minute and Sergi Roberto doubled the lead with a fine strike just before half-time.

Three minutes later, though, Pedro netted a penalty to send the side into the break 3-0 up.

- espnfc.com