Audio By Carbonatix
Karim Benzema scored a second-half hat-trick as Real Madrid routed 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 6 May.
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.
Latest Stories
-
Creative Canvas 2025: Documenting Ghana’s creative year beyond the noise
40 minutes -
Alhassan Suhuyini makes Christmas donations to churches within Tamale North Constituency
4 hours -
Meet 81-year-old father of UCC Acting Vice-Chancellor, who recently graduated with an MBA
5 hours -
Did you know that Ken Ofori-Atta’s lawyer, Enayat Qasimi, is the ‘Ken Ofori-Atta of Afghanistan? – Kay Codjoe writes
5 hours -
Kidnap suspect arrested in Tamale as Police rescue victim after four days
5 hours -
Tema Oil Refinery resumes crude refining after years of shutdown
5 hours -
Kojo Antwi thrills fans with regal entry, marathon performance at ‘Antwified’ concert
5 hours -
Ofori Amponsah surprises KiDi at ‘Likor On The Beach’ 2025
6 hours -
Joy FM thanks sponsors, partners and patrons after spectacular 2025 Family Party-in-the-Park
6 hours -
‘Christmas babies’ and their mothers in Volta and Oti regions receive MTN hampers
6 hours -
One dead, another injured after accident at Atwedie
6 hours -
Maggi Waakye Summit draws thousands as Ghana’s biggest waakye festival returns
7 hours -
Western Regional Minister urges Ghanaians to use Christmas to deepen national cohesion  Â
8 hours -
Thousands turn Aburi Gardens into a festive paradise at Joy FM’s Party in the Park
8 hours -
Source of GOLDBOD’s trading funds questioned amid reported $214m loss
8 hours
