Vincent Kompany praises Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane

Real Madrid player Raphael Varane during his team's match with Ajax on September 27, 2011
© PA Photos
Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has lauded Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane after tonight's El Clasico in the Copa del Rey.

Madrid eased past their age-old rivals 4-2 on aggregate in the semi-final thanks to a 3-1 win in the Camp Nou that also ended Barcelona's 22-match unbeaten stretch at home.

Frenchman Varane, who joined Los Blancos from Lens in summer 2011 and is still just 19 years old, scored the third tonight after Cristiano Ronaldo's opening brace.

"In my opinion, Varane showed again today what a great defender he is. Well done to him," tweeted Kompany, 26.

Madrid will go on to face either Atletico Madrid or Sevilla in the final. The former lead 2-1 after the first leg and are favourites to progress and set up a Madrid derby final.
Tables
TeamPGDPTS
1Barcelona367094
2Real Madrid365981
3Atletico Madrid363272
4Real Sociedad362062
5Valencia361362
6Malaga36454
7Real Betis36-352
8Rayo Vallecano36-1749
9Sevilla36447
10Getafe36-1147
11Espanyol36-644
12Athletic Bilbao36-2044
13Real Valladolid36-543
14Levante36-1842
15Granada36-1839
16Osasuna36-1636
17Deportivo La Coruna36-2035
18Real Zaragoza36-1934
19Mallorca36-3132
20Celta Vigo36-1831