Benzema scores twice as Real progress to semis

Having won the first leg 4-2, Madrid could have been forgiven for not being at their best tonight. Not so. Los Blancos produced a highly impressive performance to overcome a spirited Girona side, with Karim Benzema playing a crucial role not just through his goalscoring, but also his all-round play.

Girona began well, however, pressing high and harassing the Madrid midfield at every opportunity. But the visitors were up for the fight too, and a frenetic opening 25 minutes saw both sides create numerous opportunities. It was breathtaking, end-to-end stuff. The only disappointment was that it hadn't yet produced a goal. But the breakthrough soon came, with Benzema crashing in a left-footed shot on the half-hour mark.

Girona were rattled, and minutes later were completely sliced open again, with Marcelo finding himself one on one with the goalkeeper. This time Iraizoz saved spectacularly, pushing the Brazilian's effort wide from point-blank range. He had less luck with the next shot he faced. Vinicius drove down the left, stopping at the by-line and cutting the ball back to Benzema, who was lurking near the corner of the penalty area. The French veteran took a touch to get the ball out of his feet, then curled an inch-perfect strike into the far corner.

Still, Girona didn't know when they were beaten - Stuani forcing a fine save from Keylor Navas just before the break. It had been a crazy half, and more was to come.

Gareth Bale arrived shortly after the break, and after a flurry of chances for both sides, Girona pulled one back. Debutant Alex Pachon threaded a through ball to Pedro Porro, who finished calmly. But on 77 minutes Madrid put the game beyond doubt - Marcos Llorente hitting a fine strike from the edge of the area to make it three. 

Real Madrid will be pleased to get through such a high-paced game with no fresh injury woes, and march on to the semi-finals. There, Barcelona could lie in wait.