Karim Benzema hattrick powers Real Madrid into Copa Del Rey Final

Karim Benzema struck a classy hattrick against arch-rivals Barcelona to help Los Blancos knock La Liga toppers out of Copa Del Rey. Real Madrid dominated right throughout the game and as a result, secured an emphatic 4-0 victory.

A season marred by injuries, Barca suffered yet another injury blow in the form of Andreas Christensen. Going into this match, the hosts had a one-goal advantage. They won the first leg at Santiago Bernabeu and started the second leg on the front foot. Xavi went with the usual 4-3-3 formation same as Madrid with Lewandowski, Raphina and Gavi upfront. Ancelotti on the other hand made a bold decision of playing Camavinga as a makeshift defender in the LB position and it paid dividends.

The Frenchman had a phenomenal game and rarely allowed Barca strikers to run through Madrid’s defence. Vinicius Junior broke the deadlock in the 45+1 minute via a quick counterattack. With a goal up right at the stroke of halftime, the Spanish Giants went into the second half brimming with confidence and it was evident in their style of play. Five minutes into the second half, Madrid went ahead through a composed finish by Karim Benzema.

The second goal came on the back of a beautiful linkup between Militao, Modric and Benzema. Eight minutes later, Frank Kessie made a ridiculous challenge on Vini to give Madrid a penalty. Benzema converted the spot kick to take Madrid 3-1 up on aggregate. From there on it was just about how many more the Whites can slot past Ter Stegen.

The visitors were opening the Barca defence time and time again and were ultimately rewarded with the fourth goal of the match. Benzema buried the game and nestled another into the back of the net to complete his hat trick in the 80th minute. Madrid will now face Osasuna in the Final match of the tournament.