January 25, 2012
Barcelona survived a late onslaught from rivals Real Madrid to win their Spanish Cup quarterfinal tie 4-3 on aggregate and knock the holders out.
In a dramatic game at Barcelona's Camp Nou stadium, the hosts went 2-0 up thanks to goals from Pedro and Daniel Alves before strikes from Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema leveled the match at 2-2.
Real laid siege to their opponents' goal in the final stages, even after defender Sergio Ramos was sent off, but couldn't find the goal that would have taken them through.
Jose Mourinho's side complained bitterly to the referee after the match but the result is sure to intensify pressure on the Portuguese coach, who has been forced to deny press rumors he is set to leave the club in June.
Real had the first chance of the match inside 15 seconds as a mistake from Gerard Pique let Gonzalo Higuain in on goal but the Argentina striker fired wide with only Barca keeper Pinto to beat.
Higuain had another two chances to open the scoring but Pinto saved his close range effort from Xabi Alonso's free kick, before blocking a shot after he had surrendered possession.
Germany international Mesut Ozil then struck the bar with a fierce shot from 35 yards with Pinto beaten, before Cristiano Ronaldo drew another save from Barca's reserve keeper.
A melee ensued after Real midfielder Lassana Diarra brought down Argentina striker Lionel Messi and was fortunate not to receive a second yellow card.
Real were made to pay for their profligacy when Messi ran at Real's defense and teed up Pedro to score shortly before the break, and just minutes later Brazilian Alves made it two with a thunderous drive into the top corner.
In the second half Real came back at their opponents as Ronaldo rounded Pinto from Ozil's pass to make it 2-1 and when France international Benzema made it 2-2 with 18 minutes left Real sensed victory.
They continued to pour forward after Ramos was shown a second yellow card but couldn't find the vital third goal.
Barcelona will now face either Valencia or Levante in the semifinals. The pair play Thursday, with Valencia 4-1 up from the first leg.
In Wednesday's other tie, Athletic Bilbao sealed a tie with third division Mirandes in the final four after their 1-0 win at Mallorca gave them a 3-0 aggregate victory.
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