Real Madrid produced a stunning performance to reach the Copa del Rey final for the first time since 2014. They defeated Barcelona 4-0 at the Camp Nou, with a Karim Benzema hat-trick and a Vinicius Junior strike giving them a 4-1 aggregate triumph.
Barcelona had taken a 1-0 lead into the second leg after Eder Militao’s own goal at the Bernabeu. However, Vinicius’ goal in first-half added time brought Real Madrid level on aggregate, and they took control in the second half.
Benzema opened the scoring with a sublime finish, and then calmly converted a penalty after Vinicius was fouled in the box. The French striker completed his hattrick late on to dump Barcelona out of the competition.
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Barcelona started the match brightly, with early efforts from Sergi Roberto and Raphinha. However, Ronald Araujo had to be alert at the other end to deny Vinicius. Tempers began to flare in the high-charged encounter, with Xavi booked for dissent and Vinicius and Gavi cautioned for a midfield fracas.
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Despite the drama, Real Madrid kept their focus and levelled the tie just before half-time. After Thibaut Courtois made a superb stop to deny Robert Lewandowski, Madrid flew up the other end, and Vinicius’ shot, though initially blocked by Jules Kounde, crept over the line to make it 1-1 on aggregate.
Real Madrid took the lead shortly after the break, with Luka Modric teeing up Benzema to expertly stroke the ball into the bottom-left corner. They landed a killer blow shortly after, as Franck Kessie brought Vinicius down in the box, and Benzema ruthlessly slotted the penalty into the bottom-right corner.
Benzema sealed his hat-trick with ten minutes to play, delicately dinking the ball over Marc-Andre ter Stegen to secure Real Madrid’s place in the final against Osasuna on May 6th.
Overall, it was a dominant display from Real Madrid, who thoroughly deserved their victory. Benzema’s performance was particularly impressive, with his hattrick demonstrating his clinical finishing ability. It will be fascinating to see how Real Madrid fare in the final against Osasuna.