Karim Benzema struck a hat-trick as Real Madrid thrashed arch-rivals and league leaders FC Barcelona 4-0 to reach the Copa del Rey final in stunning fashion in Wednesday’s (Apr 5) El Clasico. Barcelona, who were looking for a fourth successive Clasico victory this season, looked set for the final having edged a 1-0 win in the first leg of the semi-final in Madrid last month. But after dominating the early stages of the second leg they fell apart in unlikely fashion to lose 4-1 on aggregate.
Karim Benzema scored a second-half hat-trick as Real Madrid routed FC Barcelona to reach the Copa del Rey final. Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, Madrid levelled the tie through Vinicius Jr in first-half stoppage time. Benzema added two goals early in the second half – the second from the penalty spot – to put the visitors in control and completed his hat-trick to seal the win in the 80th minute.
Carlo Ancelotti's side will face Osasuna in the final on May 6.
Barcelona had the better of a feisty first half at the Nou Camp, but their best chance led directly to Madrid's opener in first-half injury time.
After keeper Thibaut Courtois got down smartly to stop Robert Lewandowski's effort, the away side broke quickly and, after exchanging passes with Benzema, Vinicius squeezed his effort into the bottom corner.
Five minutes after the break, Madrid were in front on aggregate as Luka Modric drove forward and rolled the ball into the path of Benzema, who swept the ball home from the edge of the area.
Xavi's side were reeling and when Franck Kessie needlessly brought Vinicius down in the box, Benzema sent Marc-Andre ter Stegen the wrong way from the spot to extend the lead.
The France striker got his third with 10 minutes remaining after a devastating Madrid counter, again led by Vinicius, with Barcelona having committed men forward searching for a way back into the tie.
It was Benzema's second hat-trick in successive games after achieving the feat last Sunday against Real Valladolid.
