Sports

Real sweep past Zaragoza into Copa del Rey quarters

Real sweep past Zaragoza into Copa del Rey quarters

By Reuters

Real Madrid's Karim Benzema celebrates scoring their fourth goal with teammates during the Copa del Rey Round of 16 match between Real Zaragoza and Real Madrid, at La Romareda, in Zaragoza, Spain, on January 29, 2020. Photo: Reuters

MADRID: Real Madrid thrashed a depleted Real Zaragoza side 4-0 on Wednesday to reach the Copa del Rey quarter-finals. The second division team made eight changes as they rested players for their clash with leaders Cadiz on Sunday and the 13-times European Cup winners took full advantage. Real moved ahead in the sixth minute when defender Raphael Varane finished from close range after a clever corner routine. Lucas Vazquez doubled Madrid's advantage with a drive into the top corner after being set up by Toni Kroos. Japanese playmaker Shinji Kagawa caused problems for the illustrious visitors at La Romareda, with Alphonse Areola making a fine save to deny him. Vinicius Jr. struck after 72 minutes with Karim Benzema wrapping up the win from close range for Zinedine Zidane's rampant side. Third-tier Cultural Leonesa nearly took another scalp after eliminating Atletico Madrid in the previous round, with Valencia needing a 4-2 penalty shootout victory to beat them following a 0-0 draw.