Barcelona put on exhibition as they reach the semifinal of the Copa del Rey
Barcelona’s hopes of winning the Copa del Rey for a third consecutive season are alive and kicking after they thumped Real Sociedad 5-2 to progress to the semifinal courtesy of a 6-2 aggregate win.
After Real Madrid’s elimination on Wednesday, Barca booked their place in the last four for a seventh successive season on Thursday. Denis Suarez scored the first and last goals, with Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Arda Turan also on target. La Real replied through Juanmi and Willian Jose.
Last week’s 1-0 win at Anoeta meant the Blaugrana’s place in the competition was never really under threat — they lead 2-0 and 3-1 — and they have now won five games in a row since making a disappointing start, in terms of results, to 2017.
With a shortage of midfielders, Luis Enrique opted for Javier Mascherano in the Sergio Busquets role, with Andres Gomes and Denis Suarez paired ahead of him. Ivan Rakitic began on the bench.
There was little action in the first half other than a Barca goal in the 17th minute. Playing on after a possible could by Samuel Umtiti, the ball was worked forward, with Luis Suarez setting up Denis Suarez to score the opening goal in a game for the second time in a week.
It was the second half when things really got out of hand, though. Jasper Cillessen made a top save from Willian Jose to kick off a mad minute, as Neymar raced clear on the counter attack at the other end. He was savagely hacked down by Inigo Martinez and Messi obliged from the penalty spot.
Sloppy defending from the home side allowed la Real back into the game, as Juanmi chipped Cillessen after being played on side. Barca responded immediately, though, with Messi setting up Suarez to make it 3-1.
Another goal from the visitors — a Willian Jose header — led to brief thoughts of an unlikely comeback, but Barca soon put the game to bed. The revitalised Aleix Vidal crossed for Arda Turan to score his 13th goal of the campaign from close range and Messi, who was involved in the build up to the fourth goal, wonderfully created Denis Suarez’s second of the night.
Luis Enrique’s side must now be big favourites to win the Copa del Rey again. They join Alaves, Atletico Madrid and Celta Vigo in the last four. The draw takes place on Friday.
