By Gabriel Ameh, The Sight News
Real Madrid edged Barcelona in a thrilling extra-time to advance to the super Copa final.
Madrid Midfielder Federico Valverde scored in extra time to lift Real Madrid to a 3-2 win over Barcelona in the semifinals of the Spanish Supercopa in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday.
Madrid struck the first blow as Vinicius Junior opened the scoring, collecting a through ball from Benzema before striking past goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Barca pulled level just before half-time through De Jong, who was in the right place at the right time when Madrid defender Eder Militao attempted to clear a low cross from Dembele but was blocked by De Jong and into the goal.
Benzema fired Madrid back into the lead on 72 minutes, first forcing a save from ter Stegen before prodding home from a cutback from teammate Dani Carvajal.
But Xavi’s side fought back, and Ansu Fati, who was playing for the first time since November due to injury, found space in Madrid’s 6-yard box and provided a glancing header to send the two sides to extra time.
Ancelotti’s side held Barca at bay in the extra period before going in front for a third time following a breakaway counter attack that culminated in four Madrid players queuing up to supply the finish as the ball fell to Valverde to slot home a fantastic finish in the net.
Winger Rodrygo had a golden opportunity to end hopes of a third Barca comeback in the final moments of the match when Benzema set him in for a one-on-one, but he fired wide.
Wednesday’s result was Madrid’s 100th win in El Clasico since the two sides first met in 1902. Barca have 96 wins in the fixture.
The LaLiga leaders will face the winner of the semifinal between Atletico Madrid and Athletic Bilbao in Sunday’s final.
“I don’t know if it’s the best [Clasico I’ve played in], but it was one with a lot of anxiety and tension,” Benzema told reporters.
“We played until the end, an important game, a difficult game, Barcelona are always a strong opponent.”
