Rodrygo's double steered Real Madrid to Copa del Rey glory as they defeated a valiant Osasuna 2-1 in Saturday's final.

The Brazil forward netted twice to guide Los Blancos to their second piece of silverware this season in front of a packed Estadio de La Cartuja.

For Carlo Ancelotti's side, victory ends a nine-year drought in Spain's most prestigious cup competition, with Madrid having last won in 2014 during the Italian's previous spell in charge.

But it is a tough result for Jagoba Arrasate's Osasuna to take, after Lucas Torro's strike had given them hope of an upset in their first appearance in a Copa del Rey final in 18 years.

Madrid lived up to the favourites tag inside two minutes as Rodrygo swept Vinicius Junior's dynamite cutback past Sergio Herrera.

That early concession spurred Osasuna promptly onto the offensive, with Ante Budimir forcing Thibaut Courtois into a string of saves, while Dani Carvajal had to hook Abde Ezzalzouli's effort off the line.

David Alaba struck the bar as Madrid aimed to double their lead, with Vinicius' hopeful appeals for a penalty falling on deaf ears on the stroke of half-time.

Madrid paid the price for those misses just before the hour mark, when Torro struck a superb low strike beyond Courtois from outside the box.

Yet Madrid recovered and, after Toni Kroos saw his shot deflected, Rodrygo was on hand to pick up the pieces and prod another finish home.

Karim Benzema was unable to add gloss to the scoreline and Los Blancos were almost punished again in stoppage time, but Carvajal made a last-ditch intervention to deny Kike Barja and ensure Madrid ended their long wait for a 20th Copa crown.

Luka Modric could miss Real Madrid's Copa del Rey final clash with Osasuna and the first leg of the Champions League sem-final against Manchester City after suffering a thigh injury.

Modric sustained an injury to his left leg during Madrid's surprise 4-2 defeat at Girona on Tuesday, a result which kept them 11 points adrift of LaLiga leaders Barcelona.

The blow comes at an unfortunate time for Los Blancos, who will bid to end a nine-year wait to lift the Copa del Rey on May 6, before hosting City three days later.

Asked about Modric's fitness ahead of Saturday's fixture against Almeria, Ancelotti acknowledged losing the Croatian's experience would be a big setback.

"He got an injury in the game against Girona. We will see how he progresses in the next few days," Ancelotti said.

"He will be doubtful for the Copa final. We must evaluate him, we are hurt, but it can happen. I hope he recovers for the important matches.

"We have very important midfielders like Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni. We have many resources.

"But to replace Luka… you cannot replace his experience in these kinds of games."

Madrid have won just four of their past nine league games (D2 L3) to allow Barca to pull clear at the summit. 

Pushed on why Madrid had failed to replicate their cup heroics in LaLiga this term, Ancelotti said: "I don't know, it's a matter of concentration, it's normal, not always being able to be at the top. 

"The schedule is very demanding and I see many coaches complaining about this. We are human and it's the truth, sometimes I can't prepare all the games in the same way either. 

"In some games you concentrate better, and in others it's worse. It happens to everyone, good days and bad ones.

"You have to trust the players. I see the group in great shape. What happened last season was unforgettable and we want to repeat it."

Barcelona legend Josep Maria Fuste has died, the club announced on Thursday.

The former midfielder was 82.

Fuste played 406 times for the Blaugrana over a 12-year spell at the club from 1960 until 1972, scoring 117 times.

A product of the club's academy, he enjoyed a loan spell with Osasuna – which coincided with doing military service in Pamplona – during the early 1960s before establishing himself as a fixture in the Barca team.

Known for his speed, technical ability and ferocious shot, Fuste was a Barca great in his era and helped them to three Copa del Rey crowns, plus one Fairs Cup title.

He was later a pre-candidate in the Barcelona presidential elections in 1989 and then served as an advisor to the club's board from 2010.

"Barca fans everywhere will always remember you. Rest in peace," said a tweet from Barcelona's official Twitter page.

Fuste was also a part of the Spain team who won the 1964 European Championship, a success Barca made no reference to in their announcement.

Clasico rivals Real Madrid did acknowledge that achievement as they also paid tribute to Fuste, however.

"Real Madrid, its President and its board of directors are deeply saddened by the death of Josep Maria Fuste, a legend of Barcelona and Spanish football, who was a member of the Spanish national team that lifted the 1964 European Championship," a spokesperson said,

"Real Madrid would like to express its condolences and affection to all his relatives, team-mates, clubs and all his loved ones."

 

Carlo Ancelotti believes Karim Benzema is capable of winning another Ballon d'Or after netting back-to-back hat-tricks for Real Madrid.

Benzema followed up his treble in last week's 6-0 LaLiga win over Real Valladolid with three more goals in Wednesday's 4-0 Copa del Rey semi-final second leg at Barcelona.

It marks the first time the former France international has scored successive hat-tricks in a Madrid career spanning 14 trophy-laden seasons.

Having won the Ballon d'Or for the first time in 2022 on the back of a superb year for Los Blancos, Ancelotti has backed Benzema to challenge for the individual accolade again.

"Why not?" Ancelotti said following his side's 4-1 aggregate victory against Barcelona. "He remains one of the best players in the world – and not just attacking players."

Benzema now has 25 goals in 31 appearances this season – a tally bettered by Robert Lewandowski (27), Marcus Rashford (28), Kylian Mbappe (31) and Erling Haaland (42).

 

That includes 19 goals in 19 games since the World Cup, while the 35-year-old's back-to-back hat-tricks have come straight on the back of the international break.

"The work he did during the international break helped him a lot," Ancelotti said of Benzema, who announced his latest retirement from France duty in December.

"He is in prime physical condition. With the qualities he has, he inevitably makes a difference for us."

Real Madrid will face Osasuna, who beat Athletic Bilbao, in the Copa del Rey final on May 6.

Carlo Ancelotti felt Real Madrid played the "perfect match" after a 4-0 thumping of Barcelona at Camp Nou secured their place in the Copa del Rey final with a 4-1 aggregate win.

Madrid faced a daunting task heading to the home of their Clasico rivals, who hold a 12-point lead over Ancelotti's men at LaLiga's summit, facing a one-goal deficit after Eder Militao's own goal gave Barca a 1-0 first-leg victory at the Bernabeu.

But Vinicius Junior levelled the tie just before the break, before Karim Benzema fired in a second-half hat-trick to lead Madrid to a superb triumph and clinch their place in the final against Osasuna on May 6.

Ancelotti was delighted with his side's second-leg heroics, telling reporters at his post-match news conference: "It was a complete game. When you win 4-0 here, it is in every way.

"We played a great game. The first goal changed the dynamics, we found more space in the transitions.

"[It was] a bit hard at first, but in the second half we did very well. We did not panic when they pressed and we knew how to take advantage of the spaces in transitions.

"We played the perfect match."

This season, Benzema has failed to match the same vein of form that saw him win the Ballon d'Or in October, struggling with injuries and not enjoying the same scoring output.

But the striker has netted hat-tricks in back-to-back games since the international break, taking his goals tally for the season to 25 from 31 matches in all competitions.

Ancelotti believes the striker is somewhat back to his brilliant best, saying: "He has done a very good job in the [international] break, he has found optimum condition and his quality makes the difference, without a doubt.

"He has flicked the switch. He is still one of the best players in the world, without a doubt. If he's fit, he's one of the best.

"He can win another Ballon d'Or because he is one of the best forwards in the world."

Xavi was disappointed by Barcelona's failure to win "moments" after they were romped by Clasico rivals Real Madrid 4-0 at the Camp Nou to fall to a 4-1 Copa del Rey semi-final aggregate defeat.

An Eder Militao own goal in the first leg at the Bernabeu meant Barca headed into Wednesday's return match on home turf with a one-goal advantage.

But a strong first half by Barca ended with a short period of play that would prove crucial, as Thibaut Courtois made a brilliant save to deny Robert Lewandowski before a sweeping counter-attack ended with Vinicius Junior levelling the tie.

Madrid then sealed their progression with a brilliant second half, as Karim Benzema's hat-trick put the 31-time winners out and set Carlo Ancelotti's men up to meet Osasuna in the final on May 6.

Xavi was left frustrated by his team's failure to match their first-half display, telling Movistar+: "It is a difficult night to digest. This is football.

"You have to compete better. We have competed well until 1-0. They are moments that we have to stop. We could have also stopped the 2-0 moment. In short, they are details that we have to control.

"In the first half we were very good, but that's what I said: football is about moments and we didn't take advantage of them.

"When football is so even, you have to take advantage of the moments. We didn't do it in the first half and they did in the second. They have been superior, no excuses."

Xavi credited Madrid for their excellent second-leg display, saying: "I already said yesterday that Madrid were favourites.

"We cannot argue that they are a great team. They are the LaLiga and Champions League champions and they do not forgive. 

"When you don't kill Madrid, they kill you."

Despite the elimination, Xavi's men hold a 12-point lead over Madrid at the top of LaLiga, and he is hoping his team can put this setback behind them to kick on and claim the title.

"We had a very bad second half, but we have to get up," he said. "Tomorrow we will get up with all the hope to beat Girona.

"It is a tough result, but we have to focus on the league."

Real Madrid reached the Copa del Rey final for the first time since 2014 as a Karim Benzema hat-trick and a Vinicius Junior strike earned a 4-0 Clasico victory over Barcelona at Camp Nou and a 4-1 triumph on aggregate.

Eder Militao's own goal at the Bernabeu had Barca heading into Wednesday's second leg with a 1-0 advantage, but Vinicius' goal in first-half added time got Madrid back into the tie.

Carlo Ancelotti's men then took over after the break, Benzema putting them ahead with a sublime finish before coolly converting from the spot after Vinicius was felled.

The reigning Ballon d'Or winner clinched his hat-trick late on to dump the 31-time winners out and set Madrid up to meet Osasuna in the showpiece match on May 6.

Barca started brightly with Sergi Roberto and Raphinha seeing early efforts foiled, though alert defending was needed by Ronald Araujo at the other end to deny Vinicius.

Tempers were starting to fray in a typically high-charged encounter, Xavi booked for dissent before Gavi and Vinicius were cautioned for a fracas in midfield. The visitors remained focused, though, to level the tie just before half-time.

After Courtois made a superb stop to deny Robert Lewandowski, Madrid flew up the other end, and though Jules Kounde initially blocked Vinicius' shot, it crept over the line to make it 1-1 on aggregate.

Ancelotti's side took the lead shortly after the break, Luka Modric teeing up Benzema to expertly stroke into the bottom-left corner.

Madrid then landed a killer blow shortly after, Franck Kessie bringing Vinicius down in the box for a penalty before Benzema stepped up and ruthlessly slotted into the bottom-right corner.

Benzema sealed his hat-trick with 10 minutes to play, delicately dinking over Marc-Andre ter Stegen to send his team cruising into the final.

Pablo Ibanez's gorgeous extra-time volley stunned Athletic Bilbao as Osasuna sealed their spot in the Copa del Rey final with a 1-1 draw at San Mames that secured a 2-1 aggregate win.

Jagoba Arrasate's men only held a slender 1-0 lead from last month's first leg in Pamplona, and for much of the match that looked unlikely to be enough.

Athletic deservedly levelled the aggregate score just after the half-hour, with Inaki Williams diverting Mikel Vesga's flick-on home from close range.

The Ghana international's younger brother Nico Williams seemed destined to put Athletic ahead in the tie during the second half, but the Spain winger wasted two glorious opportunities.

Athletic's profligacy coupled with Sergio Herrera's excellence between the posts ensured the game was extended by another 30 minutes.

Osasuna capitalised with just four minutes of extra time left, and in spectacular fashion, as Jon Moncayola's cross to the edge of the box was met by an exceptional controlled volley from Ibanez that left Julen Agirrezabala helpless.

Los Rojillos will face either Barcelona or Real Madrid – whose second leg is on Wednesday – in what will be just Osasuna's second Copa del Rey final ever.

Carlo Ancelotti branded Toni Kroos and Luka Modric as "untouchable" at Real Madrid, though did not confirm either midfielder will start against Barcelona.

Madrid head to Camp Nou on Wednesday for the second leg of a Copa del Rey semi-final tie that they trail 1-0 following Eder Militao's own goal in the reverse encounter last month.

Kroos, 33, and 37-year-old Modric both started that game, though the pair were substituted late in the second half.

While Kroos played the duration of Madrid's 6-0 win over Real Valladolid on Sunday, Modric was an unused substitute.

That would suggest Ancelotti was protecting the latter ahead of the third Clasico the space of a month, but Madrid's coach declared neither of his veteran campaigners in midfield are guaranteed starters.

"Kroos and Modric are untouchable but that doesn't mean they're going to play tomorrow," Ancelotti told reporters.

"There are many untouchables but then you have to choose an eleven. I have to think about the resources I have on the bench.

"Starting isn't the most important thing, the important thing is to be effective [the game]."

 

While Kroos and Modric approach the twilight of their careers, Madrid are looking to build for the future with Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga, who has been a consistent starter since the season resumed following the World Cup.

Asked about the importance of the physicality and athleticism that the France duo can provide, Ancelotti said: "If we talk about energy, it's clear that in these games it's important.

"An effective start from above can also give you an advantage."

However, he acknowledged "there's a lot of pressure in these games", adding that "the experience of veterans can be important".

With Madrid one of the clubs reportedly pushing to sign Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham, Kroos and Modric could face uncertain futures. 

They are both entering the final few months of their contracts, albeit renewals are said to be on the table.

"I see the players every day and they are very focused. It can be thought that when a contract ends it can affect them," Ancelotti said.

"It doesn't affect them and I don't have to tell them anything because they are very professional.

"Each one has to evaluate the role they have. It is the discussion that a player has to make and if they want to renew it is because they like the role they have."

Asked if he will discuss his team selection with any players left out of his starting XI, Ancelotti added: "Nothing special. I cannot talk to every single player who is not going to start.

"If they need to talk, my door is always open, but this group of players do not ask about explanations, they understand the situation, the moment.

"There are a lot of players who are very important, and the door will always be open to them."

Barcelona are not affected by off-field matters amid the ongoing Negreira scandal, head coach Xavi said.

The Catalan giants are subject to an investigation from UEFA with prosecutors in Spain pursuing charges for alleged corruption, having allegedly paid over €7million to the company owned by former vice-president of the refereeing committee in Spain, Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira.

LaLiga cannot take action due to a statute of limitations in Spain but, speaking on Monday, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin confirmed no such restrictions are in place for their investigation, while talking up the severity of the scandal.

Barcelona have denied any wrongdoing.

And Xavi insists the allegations are having no impact upon his squad.

"Extra-sporting issues don't go into the locker room. We talk about how to defend, how to attack. We are not talking about UEFA, nor Negreira," he told a press conference ahead of the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Real Madrid.

"We are focused on the Cup: there is a Clasico, they will come wanting revenge and we want to show that we can win again. The Camp Nou has to be a pressure cooker.

"I listen very little [to outside comments] and we value from within. The president values it very much. If the boss is not happy, it matters what is said from outside.

"Nothing should divert us, tomorrow we can have a double joy: to beat Madrid and reach a final. We are much better than last season."

On Monday, Barcelona issued a statement urging LaLiga president Javier Tebas to resign after alleged false claims in the Negreira case but Xavi refused to comment on the matter.

"I don't know him, we have greeted each other two three times, and I don't have a clear opinion," he added.

Barcelona hold a slender 1-0 advantage heading into Wednesday's game but Madrid are still the favourites, Xavi believes, saying: "When we have a two-legged game, I have the feeling that it is very difficult. How long has it been since they lost a two-legged tie?"

"That's why for me they are still the favourites despite the 0-1. They have more pressure than we do.

"Madrid can beat you perfectly. For me it is very even and they have a point that makes them favourites, they are used to coming back from matches."

Andreas Christensen is expected to miss the final Clasico of the season after Barcelona confirmed he sustained a calf injury on international duty.

The centre-back started Denmark's opening Euro 2024 qualifier against Finland on Thursday but lasted only 18 minutes before being forced off.

Barcelona revealed it to be a problem with his left calf on Saturday following widespread media reports of him facing a period on the sidelines.

While the club have not given a timeframe for Christensen's return, simply saying he is "unavailable for selection and his recovery will determine his return", they are reportedly expecting him to be out for up to a month.

As such, he could miss as many as six games – among those, crucially, is the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Real Madrid on April 5, when Barca host Los Blancos having beaten them 1-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu in the first leg.

The other five matches he could be a doubt for are in LaLiga, though Barca will likely feel their 12-point lead at the summit is sufficient to cope without him for the time being.

Christensen has become a prominent figure at Camp Nou in recent times, however.

After joining on a free transfer from Chelsea in pre-season, the 26-year-old was initially a bit-part figure, making only five LaLiga appearances before the World Cup partly due to injury.

But he missed just one of their 10 games across all competitions prior to this international window – that being the first leg against Madrid.

 

Carlo Ancelotti is convinced Real Madrid have the firepower to overturn their 1-0 Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg defeat to a Barcelona side he suggests did not want to play.

Barca claimed a smash-and-grab victory at the Santiago Bernabeu on Thursday to take a slender advantage into next month's return game at Camp Nou.

The decisive goal came in the 26th minute when Franck Kessie's shot was saved by Thibaut Courtois before going in off Eder Militao.

Madrid were largely dominant otherwise, with Barca having just 35.3 per cent of the possession – that is their smallest share of the ball in a single match since Opta records began (2013-14 season).

Similarly, it was only the third time since the start of last year that Barca have recorded less than 50 per cent possession in a match.

Ancelotti was unimpressed by Barca's performance and remains confident Madrid will reach the final, despite Los Blancos failing to get a single shot on target for only the third time in a decade.

"The team played well," he told reporters. "Barcelona played like they didn't want to play.

"We haven't been good in the last third. Defeat hurts, but if we do the same in the second leg, we have a chance to progress.

"We played the game we have to play: pressing, playing with intensity. We lacked a goal, but they did nothing to score. They were lucky with a rebound. We have 90 minutes [to turn it around]."

He added: "We've failed, but we did not deserve to lose. But in 90 minutes we can score a goal in Barcelona."

Despite the obvious frustration in his voice, Ancelotti was undoubtedly impressed with how Madrid managed to control the majority of the game, forcing Barca to play mostly on the edge of their own box.

"It's a very bad result, undeserved, but it was a game well done on our part, with intensity and commitment.

"We didn't let Barca play the way they want. They had a very low block, not because they wanted to, but because we made them do it.

"It was difficult to have opportunities, we tried from outside the box, but they have great defenders and they gave us problems in the crosses.

"It was difficult to find spaces. They were very closed off. I have nothing to reproach. I am very happy and I am very excited to do the same in the second leg.

"They have an advantage, but we have all the confidence in the world to be able [to turn it around]."

The second leg is at Camp Nou on April 5.

Xavi was not entirely satisfied with Barcelona's performance despite a 1-0 win away at El Clasico rivals Real Madrid in their Copa del Rey semi-final first leg, and still believes their opponents are favourites for the tie.

An own goal by Eder Militao in the first half at the Santiago Bernabeu was enough for a Barca victory, while Madrid enjoyed plenty of the ball and had 13 shots, but did not hit the target once as they fell to defeat.

Barca's head coach was pleased with the win, but appeared eager to put the pressure back on Los Blancos ahead of the return leg on April 5 as he insisted they were still favourites to reach the final.

"We have a certain advantage," he told reporters. "We will have to compete very well [in the second leg at Camp Nou]. We have defended well. The return home, with our fans, is positive. But I still see Real Madrid as favourites."

Xavi was pleased with his team's defending, but concerned by their inability to keep the ball as the visitors claimed just 35.3 per cent possession in the game, completing just 309 of their 380 passes (81.3 per cent).

"I'm not satisfied... It's not the percentage we're looking for," he said.

"The result is very positive. I'm happy with the work, solid defence, we minimised Real Madrid on their field. The game was difficult.

"The victory is tremendous [but] we didn't know how to keep the ball, it was difficult for us to win duels. We defended well without the ball and fought well without the ball.

"The people are supportive. I am satisfied, but we have to improve in our game with the ball. We cannot give the opponent dominance.

"I am satisfied with the result but not so much for the match."

Barcelona will take a slender advantage to Camp Nou after they beat Real Madrid 1-0 in their Copa del Rey semi-final first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu on Thursday.

An Eder Militao own goal was all that separated the two Spanish giants, with Carlo Ancelotti's men having a lot of the ball but unable to craft much in the way of chances.

Militao's own goal was only the fourth this century in a Clasico, three of which have favoured Barca after Ivan Helguera's in May 2002 and Raphael Varane's in February 2019.

Madrid may consider themselves fortunate not to lose by more, however, with Ansu Fati inadvertently denying team-mate Franck Kessie a certain goal in a second half largely dominated by the hosts.

Karim Benzema had the ball in the net early on when he chested down a cross from Vinicius Junior and volleyed home, only to be flagged offside.

Despite Madrid dominating early on, it was Barcelona who took the lead in the 26th minute.

Ferran Torres played in Kessie, whose shot went in off Militao after Thibaut Courtois had initially saved from the Barca midfielder.

Vinicius saw an effort blocked by Ronald Araujo early in the second half, while the visitors should have doubled their lead 18 minutes from time.

Kessie met Torres' cut-back but saw his goal-bound shot deflected wide by substitute Fati with Courtois stranded.

Nevertheless, Xavi's men held on despite Madrid's desperate late onslaught.

Ez Abde fired home a brilliant 47th-minute winner as Osasuna took a 1-0 first-leg lead over Athletic Bilbao in their Copa del Rey semi-final on Wednesday.

Osasuna were beaten in the 2004-05 final by Real Betis, but they boosted their chances of reaching the tournament's showpiece match for a second time with a home victory at Estadio El Sadar.

The first half was a scrappy affair, distinctly lacking in attacking quality as both teams struggled to put their stamp on the match.

But moments into the second half, a swift Osasuna counter ended with Abde charging into the box before unleashing a powerful drive into the bottom right corner.

Athletic's search for an equaliser never really got going, as they ended the match with only two shots on target and an xG (expected goals) of just 0.41.

Their best opportunity fell at the feet of substitute Gorka Guruzeta in the dying seconds, but his tame effort was comfortably saved by Sergio Herrera, and Athletic will have much work to do in the reverse leg at San Mames on April 4 if they are to keep their hopes of winning a 24th Copa del Rey alive.

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