REAL MADRID started with the above 11 team, with the news beginning the start of Reguilon & Bale left on the bench.
FC BARCELONA started with the above starting 11 with the news being Sergi Roberto in the midfield.
REAL MADRID played better, but were punished & very severely by the Football axiom: "If you don't take your chances you will end up losing". This is what exactly occured. While The 1º st half was very even & tactical it was Real Madrid which was creating the goal occasions. However, Real Madrid, especially Vinicius Jr failed to define & finish off his (& teams) great work with goals. Too many misses which could have shut the match & given the tie in their favour early.
However, in the 2º half FC Barcelona suffered but allowed Real Madrid to move up forward & basically knocked them out with counter-attacks exploiting the open spaces left while looking for goal.
FC BARCELONA attacked three times & scored three times, the exact opposite from Real Madrid which created up to 10 goal chances & did not convert at all. The first goal came from LUIS SUAREZ in the 50th min from a Dembele pass. Here is an interesting story, the French winger was basically ineffective up till this point, Dembele was to be important again in the 2º goal when he passed into LUIS SUAREZ & the ball deflected off Real Madrid defender VARANE into the net in the 68th min.
A knockout blow for Real Madrid that had them reeling, so much so that while they were lifting off the "canvas" another counter-attack turned into a penalty as Casemiro fouled LUIS SUAREZ. The Uruguayan took the penalty & scored the 3ºr goal for Barça in the 73rd min & shut the door, assured the victory & their pass onto another Spanish Cup Final.
FINAL RESULT - REAL MADRID 0 FC BARCELONA 3 (1 - 4 on aggregate)
Some final observations:
- Real Madrid lost because they could not converted their numerous occasions,
- Vinicius Jr while dangerous & talented needs to "fine tune" his finishes. He missestoo many chances & has no left foot,
- Real Madrid young defender REGUILON was the best on the field, MVP, & is a consecrated revelation. Real Madrid has a substitute for Marcelo & a future Spanish International. Outstanding.
- FC Barcelona was effective, efficient & utilized the law of "minimum effort for maximum results".
Next Saturday we have another "Clasico" - Real Madrid vs FC Barcelona - this time as part of the LA LIGA fixture. I believe Barcelona has a psychological dominance over Real Madrid & would dare predict that Barça will win again on Saturday. If Barça does win the LIGA title will be virtually assured for them as they would have eliminated Real Madrid from the race only having Atletico de Madrid chasing.
Tomorrow the other Spanish Cup semi tie between REAL BETIS - VALENCIA CF currently 2 - 2 on aggregate.
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