El clasico brought back real madrid to champions league mode
Last year, Real Madrid CF won the Champions League with an incredible comebacks against Chelsea and Manchester City. This year the drama in La Casa Blanca has not been the same, they won without many complications against Liverpool, but they had struggled in LaLiga but mostly against FC Barcelona.
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Before the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final Real Madrid had 3 consecutive games without a victory against their historic rivals. It is common football knowledge that Los Blancos are never going to give up on elimination games, their finest version usually comes when character and leadership are required, and it was not going to be different.
After a first half mostly dominated by FC Barcelona, Ancelotti’s men took advantage in one of their signature counter attacks after what it seemed to be a penalty on Robert Lewandowski. Valverde recovered and with a fast transition between Rodrygo, Vinicius and Benzema Real Madrid found a great opportunity that Vinicius finished in front of Ter Stegen just before the end of the first half.
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This type of goal is often classified as psychological, which turns into more chances. It did not take long, four minutes after the beginning of the second half, Benzema received just outside of the box after a great run by Modric and he scored the second goal. Barcelona tried to react, but Courtois saved a powerful shot by Baldé and Xavi’s squad were not able to reduce the difference.
Real Madrid had the ball, the momentum and they were having opportunities to increase the advantage, with the semifinal already turned over in aggregate goals. Vinicius recovered after a cross by Modric from the other side, went straight into the box and started dribbling getting innocently fouled by Kessie and a penalty was given to Real Madrid. Last year’s Ballon d’ Or did not miss and Los Blancos would get their third goal of the game.
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It felt like it was only a matter of time to see another goal from Ancelotti’s team and in the 81st minute, Benzema scored the fourth goal after a sensational pass from Vinicius that left the French striker alone in front of Ter Stegen.
Real Madrid once again demonstrated that they do not give up, their winning mentality often gets them games when their soccer is not as good. Their leadership once again got them a final against Osasuna, but the most important thing for them is that they have found themselves again in the most important part of the season ready to compete against anyone.
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The Champions League is just around the corner, they will face Chelsea first that recently changed their manager, and that has struggled the whole season with everything in their favor. With the team’s best players recovering their confidence, with Benzema scoring two consecutive hat-tricks and with Vinicius becoming crucial again. Los Blancos are back in Champions League mode, without much hope for LaLiga they will primarily focus on the European tournament, which means they are as always, the favorites to win the championship.
