After losing the first leg 1-0, Los Merengues were determined to avoid defeat to their rivals. The home team started well, with the fans even chanting Lionel Messi’s name in the 10th minute to express their desire for his return in 2023.
Vini Jr scored a crucial goal for Real Madrid
In a highly anticipated match, Real Madrid and Barcelona faced off at the Camp Nou for a spot in the Copa del Rey final. After losing the first leg 1-0, Los Merengues were determined to avoid defeat to their rivals. The home team started well, with the fans even chanting Lionel Messi’s name in the 10th minute to express their desire for his return in 2023. However, on the brink of halftime, Vinicius Jr scored a crucial goal for Real Madrid, putting them ahead and frustrating the hosts, who felt they should have been awarded a penalty earlier in the game.
Karim Benzema – the player who scored a hat-trick against Barcelona since Ferenc Puskas in 1962/63
Real Madrid continued to dominate in the second half, and Benzema’s spectacular interplay with Luka Modric resulted in a second goal for Los Blancos. Soon after, a penalty was awarded to Real Madrid, which Benzema converted with ease, putting him in line for a hat-trick. Barcelona struggled to find their rhythm and failed to regroup after conceding the first goal. With eight minutes left in the game, Benzema scored his third goal, making him the first Real Madrid player to score a hat-trick against Barcelona since Ferenc Puskas in 1962/63. The match was an iconic moment for Benzema, who secured Real Madrid’s place in the Copa del Rey final with his exceptional performance. The result also highlighted Barcelona’s defensive vulnerabilities and the gap between the two teams. Real Madrid’s victory was their second biggest win at the Camp Nou, with the 5-1 victory in 1962/63 being the biggest.
The match was a statement from Real Madrid, who showed their determination and resilience to overcome their rivals. The result will give them confidence as they prepare for the domestic final and try to reduce the deficit in the La Liga table. Meanwhile, Barcelona will need to reflect on their performance and address their defensive issues as they look to bounce back in the upcoming matches. Overall, it was a memorable night for Real Madrid and a tough defeat for Barcelona.