Benzema’s hat-trick and Vinícius Jr.’s goal knock Barcelona out of the Copa del Rey

Author: Barkha Roy

Real Madrid beat LaLiga leaders Barcelona 4-0 on Wednesday to win the Copa del Rey semi-final. Reigning Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema scored a hat-trick in the win, while Vinicius Junior was also at his best and scored the first goal of the match, as well as providing an assist.

After winning the first leg of the semi-final by a narrow 1-0 margin at the Santiago Bernabéu last month, Barcelona, who were fighting for their fourth consecutive derby win this season, looked to be heading for the championship game. However, despite controlling the first half, they unexpectedly collapsed to lose 4-1 on aggregate.

The hosts dominated the first 15 minutes of the game and created a great chance when an unmarked Raphinha was found by an excellent cross from Alejandro Balde, but the Brazilian could only head into the hands of Thibaut Courtois.

Barcelona were having problems creating clear chances, despite being the biggest threat in the first period, but their opponents also had problems in the second. Close to the 30th minute, Toni Kroos put the ball into the path of Benzema, who shot into the net.

Just before half-time, Robert Lewandowski almost scored for the hosts, but Real Madrid goalkeeper Courtois saved.

After the break, Benzema scored in open play thanks to an assist from Vinicius Jr. and then added another from the penalty spot after Franck Kessie was penalized for a foul in the box on Vinicius. Vinicius played Benzema expertly into the box as time ran out for Xavi Hernandez’s side, giving the France striker just Ter Stegen to beat as he scored his third goal of the match.

Since moving to Madrid in 2009, this was Benzema’s ninth hat-trick. By scoring a hat-trick in this match at the Camp Nou, he also became the first Real Madrid player to do so since Ferenc Puskas in 1963.

This was a morale-boosting victory for Carlo Ancelotti’s men, who have been dominated by the Catalans all season. They will now be looking to reproduce that result in their remaining games, especially after becoming the first Real Madrid side to beat Barça by four goals in 1995.

This was also an important victory for Real coach Ancelotti, who could have faced the axe if Madrid had lost the game to Barça. While the Italian strategist is constantly linked with a move to coach the Brazilian national soccer team, Real Madrid fans are now hoping that he will be with them until at least the end of the season.

However, he could stay until the end of his contract in June 2024 if Real Madrid finish the season strongly, still seeking European glory and now in the Copa del Rey final.

Real will now be hoping to win the Spanish Cup for the 20th time in their history when they face Osasuna on May 6, who reached the final by beating Athletic Bilbao 2-1 on aggregate on Tuesday.

Barcelona will play Girona at the Nou Camp on Monday in their return to LaLiga. With 11 games remaining in the season, Xavi Hernández’s side lead Real Madrid by 12 points at the top of the table.

Real Madrid’s next game is against Villarreal on Saturday at the Santiago Bernabéu. Before the Barça game two days later, Carlo Ancelotti’s side have the chance to reduce the gap to nine points.