“Silencing the Camp Nou”- Fans react as Karim Benzema and Vinicius’ goals give Real Madrid lead in Copa del Rey clash against Barcelona
Vinicius and Benzema turn up the heat in the El Clasico
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Real Madrid turned the tie around in the Copa del Rey semi-final against Barcelona thanks to a Benzema brace. Vinicius Jr. scored with a composed finish to bring Real Madrid level on aggregate before Karim Benzema scored twice to make the lead 3-1 in the fifth El Clasico of the season.
Los Blancos came into the game 1-0 down due to an Eder Militao own goal in the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu. They could have gone 2-0 down early in the second leg, but Carvajal made a crucial block to deny Barcelona. Sergi Roberto had his second chance at the game, firing a low shot at Thibaut Courtois. However, David Alaba stuck out a leg to block it.
Madrid struggled to deal with Alejandro Balde, who clipped in an excellent cross for Raphinha. The Brazilian missed the chance, with his thumping header straight at Courtois. The game was tense, with neither team happy with the referee’s decision-making. Balde continued to provide a threat on the left side with his sublime dribbling and solid decision-making.
However, it was Vinicius Jr. who ended up making the difference in the first half. It started with a brilliant stop by Courtois to deny Lewandowski, leading to a Madrid counter. Vinicius drove through the middle and played a one-two with Benzema before slotting it cooly with a low shot on goal. Jules Kounde tried to block it on the line, but the ball trickled over at the far post. Even in the early minutes of the second half, the tantalizing Brazilian ran the show against Barca defence.
Benzema put Real Madrid ahead in the second half after some poor football from Barcelona. Luka Modric cut inside from the right, and squared it to Benzema, who placed a first-time shot into the bottom corner after a brilliant dummy run for Vinicius pulling the defence apart. Vinicius was fouled by Frank Kessie later in the half and the penalty was calmly slotted away by the mercurial Frenchman.
In case you missed it: WATCH: Barcelona fans chant Lionel Messi’s name on 10th minute of Copa del Rey El Clasico amid his possible return
Fans react to Vincius’ and Benzema’s goals
Vinicius Jr. remains a crucial player for Real Madrid after he arrived from Flamengo for €45 million four years ago. He has three goals in the Copa del Rey and has played a crucial role in the team’s progress to the semi-finals. The Brazilian has also been on fire in La Liga, scoring eight times and providing seven assists in 26 appearances.
However, the Champions League is where Vinicius Jr. has truly dazzled fans in Madrid and worldwide. He has scored six goals, provided three assists in just eight games, and produced several game-changing moments. Fans of Los Blancos will hope for more of the same in the competition. Although Real will fancy their chances against Chelsea, who are 11th in the Premier League, they will still look at the likes of Vinicius to provide match-winning displays.
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Anany Kapoor
(105 Articles Published)