Benzema Hat-Trick Against FC Barcelona Fires Real Madrid Into Copa Del Rey Final

Posted by Samson Kankan Latest Headlines, Sports News Wednesday, April 5th, 2023

(AFRICAN EXAMINER)- Real Madrid reached the Copa del Rey final for the first time since 2014 on Wednesday night in Barcelona.

A Karim Benzema hat-trick and a Vinicius Junior strike earned a 4-0 Clasico victory over FC Barcelona at Camp Nou and a 4-1 triumph on aggregate.

Eder Militao’s own goal at the Bernabeu had Barca heading into Wednesday’s second leg with a 1-0 advantage.

But Vinicius’ goal in first-half added time got Real Madrid back into the tie.

Carlo Ancelotti’s men then took over after the break, Benzema putting them ahead with a sublime finish before coolly converting from the penalty kick spot after Vinicius was felled.

The reigning Ballon d’Or winner clinched his hat-trick late on to dump the 31-time winners out and set Real Madrid up to meet Osasuna in the showpiece match on May 6.

Barca started brightly with Sergi Roberto and Raphinha seeing early efforts foiled, though alert defending was needed by Ronald Araujo at the other end to deny Vinicius.

Tempers were starting to fray in a typically high-charged encounter, Xavi booked for dissent before Gavi and Vinicius were cautioned for a fracas in midfield.

The visitors remained focused, though, to level the tie just before half-time.

After Courtois made a superb stop to deny Robert Lewandowski, Real Madrid flew up the other end.

Even though Jules Kounde initially blocked Vinicius’ shot, it crept over the line to make it 1-1 on aggregate.

Ancelotti’s side took the lead shortly after the break, Luka Modric teeing up Benzema to expertly stroke into the bottom-left corner.

Real Madrid then landed a killer-blow shortly after, Franck Kessie bringing Vinicius down in the box for a penalty kick before Benzema stepped up and ruthlessly slotted into the bottom-right corner.

Benzema sealed his hat-trick with 10 minutes to play, delicately dinking over Marc-Andre ter Stegen to send his team cruising into the final.