In a historic El Clasico match on Wednesday, Karim Benzema demonstrated an outstanding performance. The prominent striker of Real Madrid scored a remarkable hat trick leading Los Blancos to a triumphant 4-0 victory (4-1 agg.) over FC Barcelona in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals, held at Spotify Camp Nou.
Benzema’s exceptional hat trick has earned him a significant place in the Real Madrid history books. He became the first Real Madrid player to accomplish this feat in El Clasico since Ivan Zamorano in 1995. He also became the first Real Madrid player to score a hat trick at the prestigious Barcelona venue since Ferenc Puskas achieved this feat in 1963.
After Vinicius Jr. scored to level the tie in first-half stoppage time, Benzema took charge and netted the first goal in the 50th minute, shooting from the top of the box. The 35-year-old followed up by doubling his goal count early in the second half, confidently scoring a penalty kick in the 58th minute.
Benzema completed his remarkable performance on the counter in the 80th minute by beating goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen with the help of an assist from Vinicius Jr.
This was Benzema’s second consecutive hat trick after his splendid performance against Real Valladolid in La Liga on Sunday.
Real Madrid, which is currently trailing first-place Barcelona by 12 points in La Liga, will face Osasuna in the Copa del Rey final on May 6. It will be Real Madrid’s first appearance in the final since 2014 when they defeated Barcelona.