The News
Thursday 28 of March 2024

Barcelona Thrash Real Sociedad to Reach King's Cup Semis


Barcelona's Arda Turan shoots to score their fourth goal of the match. Camp Nou Stadium, Barcelona Spain,photo: Reuters/Juan Medina
Barcelona's Arda Turan shoots to score their fourth goal of the match. Camp Nou Stadium, Barcelona Spain,photo: Reuters/Juan Medina
Barca join Atlético Madrid, Celta Vigo and Alavés in Friday's semi-final draw

BARCELONA – Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez were on target as holders Barcelona thrashed Real Sociedad 5-2 to reach the King’s Cup semi-final for the seventh successive year with a 6-2 aggregate victory on Thursday.

Former Manchester City trainee Denis Suárez gave Barca a commanding lead in the tie following last week’s 1-0 win in the first leg by scoring the opener in the 17th minute, while Messi practically ended the contest by converting a penalty early in the second half after Neymar had been fouled.

Luis Suárez restored Barcelona’s two-goal lead on the night a minute after Juanmi had netted for Real Sociedad in the 62nd minute. Willian José scored a second for the visitors before substitute Arda Turan put Barcelona 4-2 ahead in the 80th minute.

Two minutes later Denis Suárez capped a brilliant individual performance by netting his second with a sweeping run and finish.

Barca join Atlético Madrid, Celta Vigo and Alavés in Friday’s semi-final draw.

RICHARD MARTIN