Despite coming into the match with a one-goal lead, Barcelona weren't able to fend off a rampant Real Madrid side, losing their Copa del Rey semifinal 4-0 (4-1 on aggregate) as Los Blancos now join Osasuna in the final. A Karim Benzema hat trick and a goal from Vinicus Jr were more than enough to overturn Real Madrid's deficit but the match was close until 60 seconds changed everything. Both teams spent the first half trading blows, making last-ditch tackles to deny the opposition but all it took was a moment to change everything.
At one end, Thibaut Courtois made an excellent save on Robert Lewandowski before Real Madrid marched down the field, counterattacking at lightning speed with Vini Jr scoring a goal with close to the final kick of the half. The counterattack, aided by Marcos Alonso, starting as an emergency center back, missing a tackle in midfield for Barcelona set Vini Jr. free, and he played the ball wide to Benzema who prepared to shoot from an angle, disguising a cutback to Vini Jr. who was in acres of space to finish from the center of the box.
The shift in momentum was evident as Madrid started the second half with another goal, this one coming from Benzema. He would own the second half scoring from the penalty spot and dinking the keeper to score his 11th hat trick for Real Madrid and his second in a row after scoring three over the weekend in La Liga play. In what has been a down year by Real Madrid's standards, they'll now have a chance to salvage things with a Copa Del Rey final appearance to add to their ongoing Champions League chase and already winning the Club World Cup. They'll also be happy to end a three-match skid against Barcelona.
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Honestly, it's shocking that this is only Benzema's 11th hat trick for Real Madrid. After willing Real Madrid through Champions League last season, he is back at it when it matters most for his team. Benzema has now scored six goals in his last two matches to bring his season total to 25 in all competitions despite only playing in 30 matches. Keeping defenders on their toes at 35, Benzema is the man who can make a difference in this being a lost season for Real Madrid or one where they defend their Champions League title and win a treble.
Appearing when his team needs him most, Benzema was involved in all four goals for Los Blancos on Wednesday and they'll need more performances like this in the future. Carlo Ancelotti switched things up moving with a 4-2-3-1 to ensure that Benzema's mobility was used and it couldn't have worked any better. The goal to seal his hat trick will be something that gives Marc-Andre ter Stegen nightmares but it was a team effort to free Benzema and overturn Real Madrid's deficit.
While La Liga is likely out of Real Madrid's reach, this match showed why they can't be counted out until the final whistle blows. Facing a Chelsea team that will appoint Frank Lampard as their interim manager, it's a team that Real Madrid are quite familiar with and it's also another one that Benzema has notched a hat trick against. Going into that game with confidence is so important for a Madrid side that's finally healthy.
Carlo Ancelotti always has his teams looking to the next match and this one is no different as they'll get Chelsea in a fragile state and at this stage, anyone left in Champions League can win the entire competition. Xavi said it best, "When you don't kill Real Madrid, Real Madrid kill you."
While that goes for the match, it also goes for knockout competitions as all teams fear drawing Real Madrid's name in a bracket.
Despite their success this season, it feels like a hollow result for Barcelona. Out of Champions League, Copa Del Rey, and Europa League, they only have the Spanish Super Cup and likely La Liga to show for what is becoming one of the best defensive seasons in their history. But that defense has let them down in Europa League and now the Copa Del Rey when pitted against a top attack.
The absence of Frenkie de Jong showed as Barcelona struggled to retain the ball but now with their additional competitions over and a 12-point lead in the league, all focus is beginning to shift to what's next. Needing to sell players to comply with Financial Fair Play, it could be a nervy time for Barca coming up as while everyone wants to represent the badge, maybe even Lionel Messi, the harsh reality is that for some members of Xavi's squad, their time is coming to a close.
Through King Karim, all things are possible as he became the first Real Madrid player to score a hat trick at Camp Nou since Ferenc Puskas in 1963. Barcelona didn't have an answer for the Frenchman as they fell 4-0 and Real Madrid will now head to the Copa del Rey final where they can secure their second trophy of the season.
From a 1-0 deficit to a 4-1 lead on aggregate. The next ten minutes will feel like an eternity for Barcelona.
Now it's Carvajal who took a yellow for a tactical foul on Balde, who has been excellent this half, players will need to be careful not to be sent off at this stage.
Balde takes a shot after some chaos in the box as Barcelona are throwing everything forward. One more Real Madrid goal could break their spirits though.
Barcelona conceded a penalty as Kessie brought down Vini Jr and from the spot, Benzema doesn't miss. Barcelona has a mountain to climb now.
Araujo drags his shot just wide after Balde also created a good chance. Even if Barca can't find a goal, we're in for an excellent finish to the match.
Beginning the second half the way that they ended the first, Los Blancos are finding passing lanes to exploit and Benzema puts them ahead 50 minutes into the match. With how momentum has gone, Barcelona needs a goal asap.
Talk about going into the locker room on a high note. Real Madrid will need more goals to avoid extra time but back level they can now play the match on their own terms. Barcelona were asking all the questions early on but now they'll need to adjust as Real Madrid has the momentum.
Fresh off of stopping Barcelona at one end Real Madrid marched up the pitch and Vini Jr plays an excellent one two with Benzema before scoring following a goal line challenge by Kounde. The goal could end up going to Benzema but it won't matter as we're level on aggregate now right before halftime.
42 minutes into things Benzema and Raphinha are the only players who have given keepers trouble but don't let that make it seem like this has been a boring affair. Defenders have been in for last ditch tackles and tactical fouling has been important to keep things in check while one goal could open this game up. Neither team wants to concede but as the game continues, Real Madrid will need to find a goal from somewhere without opening their defense to too much risk.
Balde goes on the attack but can't find a Barcelona attacker while Benzema tests the keeper at the other end. 30 minutes in, the game is beginning to open up but will there be a goal before halftime?
It's a clean challenge by Araujo, but in a game that has already seen two players and a manager carded, it's fair to expect players to try their best to get more people into the book.
Rodrygo was right there for an excellent pass from Carvajal but he just couldn't get to it in the end. After a rough start, Real Madrid are beginning to settle down but Barcelona are controlling the majority of possession.
Kessie hits Real Madrid with a spin move and is fouled by Vini Jr. It seems like a soft foul based on how the game has gone so far and Xavi is yellow carded for his conduct on the touchline following the situation. Tensions are rising only 16 minutes into the match.
He will continue in the match but after holding his hip after attempting a pass it will be something to watch as the match moves on. Sergi Roberto has also picked up the first yellow card of the match for a challenge on Luka Modric.
It's a fast start to the match as Barcelona already had a good chance via Gavi to open things.
Real Madrid will need to start quickly to take advantage of Barcelona's missing players.
Starters: Thibaut Courtois; Eduardo Camavinga, David Alaba, Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal; Toni Kroos, Luka Modric; Vini Jr., Fede Valverde, Rodrygo, Karim Benzema
Reserves: Jesus Vallejo, Nacho, Eden Hazard, Marco Asensio, Andriy Lunin, Alvaro Odriozola, Lucas Vazquez, Auelien Tchouameni, Dani Cebellos, Antonio Rudiger, Mariano Diaz, Luis Lopez
Starters: Marc-Andre ter Stegen; Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Marcos Alonso, Alejandro Balde; Franck Kessie, Sergio Busquets, Sergi Roberto; Raphinha, Robert Lewandoski, Gavi
Reserves: Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres, Inaki Pana Sotorres, Jordi Alba, Eric Garcia, Marc Casado, Pablo Torre, Arnau Tenas, Angel Alacorn, Estanis Pedrola, Alex Garrido Canizares
With a clean bill of health, Real Madrid have to do everything they can to score an early goal. Coming off of a match where they scored six goals including a hat trick from Karim Benzema, the team can score but it takes a different level of focus to get things done at the Camp No
Xavi's biggest concern will be in regard to the fitness of Frenkie de Jong. Picking up a knock during the international break with the Netherlands, de Jong could miss the match while Pedri is also still sidelined. Without Ousmane Dembele too, injuries are mounting for Barcelona. This hasn't stopped them from defeating Real Madrid in the past but if de Jong can't go, it will change the dynamics of Barcelona's ball movement since he is their most progressive dribbler.
Date: Wednesday, April 5 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
Location: Spotify Camp Nou -- Barcelona
TV: None | Live stream: ESPN+
Odds: Barcelona +130; Draw +230; Real Madrid +195 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
It feels like we've had almost a Clasico per week as Barcelona and Real Madrid are meeting for the fifth time this season. A spot in the Copa Del Rey final is up for grabs as Barcelona holds a narrow lead heading into the match. Follow along as we have updates from the first kick until things wrap up.
