'Best second half performance in the history' - Fans react as Real Madrid eliminate Barcelona from Copa del Rey with 4-0 win

Real Madrid vs Barcelona (Image credit: Twitter)

Real Madrid advanced to the Copa del Rey final after thrashing their arch-rivals Barcelona by 4-0 at the Camp Nou on Wednesday night. Barca endured a terrible second half as Karim Benzema wreaked havoc with his hattrick goals, officially ending the Blaugrana's path to the Spanish Cup this year. The Madrid-based club will lock horns against Osasuna in the final battle to claim their 20th Copa del Rey at the La Cartuja stadium on May 6.

Barcelona had a decent start to the game, creating several chances with an attacking mindset. After 15 minutes of play, both teams lacked quality on the field, and there were numerous fouls. When it looked like the first half would end goalless, Vinicius Junior scored in the extra minute as Madrid players launched a quick attack. Jules Kounde, Barcelona's centre-back, attempted to block Vini Jr's shot, but the ball had enough momentum to go into the hosts' net.

A dreadful start to the second half saw Xavi's side concede another goal after just 5 minutes. They had sloppy passing in midfield and a lack of discipline and physicality at the back. Croatia captain Luka Modric gave a clear pass to Benzema at the edge of the box, and the Frenchman curled a shot into the bottom corner to give Madrid a second lead.

'It was a deserved result' - Carlo Ancelotti on Madrid's win

The 35-year-old Madrid striker netted a penalty in the 58th minute to extend their lead and end Barcelona's hopes of a comeback. The Blaugrana looked completely clueless against Madrid's dominance and Benzema scored his third, conceding their fourth goal of the night.

Speaking after Wednesday's El Clasico, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said, "We played a great game, and it was a deserved result. We did very well in the second half, in a very difficult game. When we had the opportunity, we created danger in transitions."

We delivered on everything, both offensively and defensively. Vinicius has complied, he scored and Benzema has also returned. Today, he has been as decisive as he always is."

Here's how fans reacted to Real Madrid's win: 

Messi might be accept Al-hilal offer😭

— 🥨 (@HuvelyesM) April 5, 2023

The best second half performance in the history of Real Madrid

— Azeddine (@Azeddine_king_) April 5, 2023

That’s a trophy in the bag🥳

— Nosanda❤️❤️ (@Nosanda15) April 5, 2023

Devastating performance from our team in the second half of the Clasico. Mental toughness is crucial and we need to work on it. Disappointed for our fans who came out in full force tonight. Time to regroup and come back stronger.

— Labib Choudhury (@iamlabibchy) April 5, 2023

OSASUNA in the final, just shows how finished this league is💀

— CFCMount⭐⭐ (@CFCM0unt) April 5, 2023

Real Madrid think they’re good because they beat Barcelona B 😭😭

— Anonymous👌 (@RonnieNaz) April 5, 2023

Real Madrid already have this COPA DEL REY in the bag. They’re definitely gonna win it.

— CA$H TRUCK (@SirJamini) April 5, 2023

Barcelona without Messi is Valladolid.

— Vladisca (@vladisca) April 5, 2023