Real Madrid eliminated Barcelona from the Cope del Rey on Wednesday night, thrashing the Catalonians 4-0 at the Camp Nou. This unexpected victory came after Barca held a 1-0 advantage on aggregate after winning the first game 1-0.
Karim Benzema proved to be Real Madrid’s standout player on the night, grabbing his second hat trick in a row following Los Blancos’ 6-0 victory over Valladolid on the weekend.
Vinicius Junior handed Madrid the lead in first-half stoppage time, while Benzema doubled their lead just five minutes after the break. Benzema grabbed his second goal from the penalty spot in the 58th minute, completing his hat trick in the 80th minute.
“The work [Benzema] did during the international break helped a lot,” Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti stated during the post-match interview. “He’s found his optimal condition again, and with the quality he has, the physical condition that supports that quality makes the difference.”
