Karim Benzema's second-half hat trick blew away Barcelona at midnight of Thursday at Camp Nou, registering a humiliating 4-0. Carlo Ancelotti’s side, overcoming a 1-0 first-leg deficit to reach the Copa del Rey final.

Barçelona might have been quite content with the triumphs in their last three consecutive El Classicos. However, Real got the equalizer through Vinicius Jr. in the first half, moments before the stoppage time.

The second half then turned into the Benzema show as the defending Balon d’Or winner struck the hat-trick in only 30 minutes to register a memorable victory in Barcelona's backyard.

It was the first time a Real Madrid player had scored a hat-trick at Camp Nou since Ferenc Puskás in 1963. Ancelotti hailed the performance as a complete match' from his players.

Even after such an astounding performance the football fraternity, especially the media may not take away 'King Karim' to the stardom where Ronaldo, Messi, even Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe prevail. Benzema's football journey started at the age of only eight years and he was misfortunate to have carried the discrimination and negligence. Even, the negligence and discrimination compelled the attacking midfielder to sit with the coaching staff during the whole Qatar World Cup where France lost to Argentina in the final.

Barcelona was without the injured quartet Ousmane Dembele, Pedri,  Frenkie De Jong, and Andreas Christensen. 

The game started at a furious pace and intensity, with both teams keen to reach the final, but absolutely desperate not to be knocked out by the other. Barca coach Xavi was booked for protesting a foul as tempers boiled over, while Gavi and Vinicius were also issued yellow cards as they scrapped.

Thousands of Barcelona fans chanted Lionel Messi's name in the 10th minute, amid speculation he could leave Paris Saint-Germain, and they would have dearly loved some of the Argentine's magic. Madrid has lifted the Copa del Rey on 19 occasions, while their opponents Osasuna have never won it, securing passage to their second final after beating Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday.