After a feisty 3-0 win over city rivals Atletico Madrid in Wednesday's early kick-off, Barcelona's eternal rivals Real Madrid had all but booked their place in the 2014 Copa del Rey final, and after a comfortable 2-0 win over 10 man Real Sociedad, Barça are at least one step closer to setting up an El Clasico showdown in the showpiece game. Certainly, Jacob a Arrasate's team are in need of a miracle if they wish to overturn this deficit and reach the final for the first time in over 25 years.
While they had brief moments on the offensive last night, they were largely outclassed by a Barcelona outfit that was clearly holding something back. Even if the intensity wasn't really there, Barcelona still dominated in every aspect -- possession, shots and of course, goals. Sergio Busquets opened the scoring with a collected finish following a corner, while both Lionel Messi and Alexis Sanchez rattled the frame of goal before goalkeeper Enaut Zubikarai inadvertently turned Goran Elustondo's rash clearance into his own goal.
It was a comical goal, but no less than Barça deserved for their supremacy on the night in front of a small crowd at the Camp Nou. For them, a two goal advantage is more than sufficient, and the pace of the game also enabled them to conserve some energy ahead of Sunday's pivotal clash with Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan. Overall, a suitably encouraging performance and a good result. What more can you ask for?