Real Madrid, Jose Mourinho: 5 Things We Learned from Copa Del Rey 2nd Leg

Real Madrid lost 4-3 on aggregate to Barcelona at the Camp Nou after a spirited 2-2 draw. Madrid created many chances but their lack of clinical finishing eventually cost them as they failed to overturn the 2-1 deficit they brought from the Bernabeu.

In what was a controversial match, Jose Mourinho's men took the play to Barcelona and at times outclassed the Camp Nou residents.

Here's a look at the five things we learned about Real Madrid from their second-leg encounter with Barcelona.

Real Madrid Concede Too Many Soft Goals

In what has to be looked at as one of their best defensive performances against Barcelona, Los Blancos were still found wanting at the back. Madrid were caught on the break while initiating an attack of their own and Fabio Coentrao especially was nowhere to be seen in the recovery.

A sleek pass from Lionel Messi found Pedro in free space and the Spanish international slotted the ball past Iker Casillas.

Looking back at it, Real Madrid will be seething that they conceded a goal that soft. Perhaps, though, the argument may be made that the downside to playing a team as good as Barcelona is you are made to look ordinary.

Karim Benzema Is the No. 1 Striker at the Bernabeu

Why did Real Madrid exit the Copa del Rey? Gonzalo Higuain's two first-half misses.

The Argentine striker was a surprising starter for Madrid in this match, although he is arguably the better impact player.

Real Madrid's potency once Benzema came into the game was clear for all to see. The Frenchman scored the goal that leveled the Camp Nou scoreline and he came close to adding a second. One thing is for sure: Benzema is the No. 1 striker at the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid's Confrontational Reputation Precedes Them

Real Madrid had a second-half goal disallowed for a reputed foul by Sergio Ramos on Dani Alves.

Replays showed that contact between the pair was minimal despite Ramos grabbing a hold of Alves' hand. However, Alves made a meal out of it, performing a theatrical dive that fooled the linesman and subsequently the referee.

Late on in the game, another controversial decision culminated in the sending off of Sergio Ramos for a reputed elbow to Sergio Busquets' face.

Now, guess what the replays showed? Minimal contact with very little intention, of course.

Real Madrid Are Getting Closer to Barcelona

Forty-five minutes into the first half, Real Madrid had five shots with four of them on target, while Barcelona had one from Lionel Messi which was off target.

Had Madrid taken their first-half chances, it's very probable that they would have won the game. However, it wasn't to be today. From evidence of what we saw though, Madrid are getting closer to Barcelona with every Clasico and a win against Pep Guardiola's men isn't very far away.

Kaka Is Kaka

Kaka is Kaka—i.e. no longer Real Madrid quality.