Alves stunner lifts Barca but Real salvage pride

Barcelona booked their place in the Copa del Rey semi-finals, drawing 2-2 last night and winning 4-3 on aggregate, after surviving a determined fightback by Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid.

Having lost 2-1 in the first leg at the Bernabeu, Real needed a fast start at the Nou Camp — and almost got it when Gonzalo Higuain pounced on a mix up in the Barca back line but could only poke his effort wide.

Well on top Real couldn’t find the goal they needed and paid the penalty two minutes before the break when a mazy run from Lionel Messi ended with the magician slipping the ball to Pedro, who beat Iker Casillas at the near post.