A controversial match ended in victory for Real Madrid, who certainly put in a good enough performance to defeat Barcelona despite some questionable refereeing decisions.

Real Madrid have no alternative but to rest players against Barcelona, but it's where having José Mourinho as manager begins to pay off.

If Real Madrid end the season with the Copa del Rey and Champions League titles in hand, it should be a vindication of Jose Mourinho and proof that he really had a plan all along.

Real Madrid are heading to the final of the Copa del Rey on the back of an all-around spectacular performance by manager Jose Mourinho and all of Los Blancos' players. They dominated Barcelona throughout the match and never looked like losing.

Given the tumultuous status of Real Madrid and Barcelona's Champions League campaigns, Tuesday's Copa del Rey edition of El Clasico could end up being a "make or break" game for each team's season.

Barcelona have a leg up on Real Madrid in their Copa del Rey semifinal edition of El Clasico, but Raphael Varane's late goal has given his team hope heading to the Camp Nou.

Can Real Madrid stay alive and head to the second leg of their Copa del Rey tie against Barcelona with a chance to advance to the final?

El Clasico is renewed on Wednesday, when Real Madrid host Barcelona in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal.