Six-time champion Rafael Nadal thrashed Fernando Verdasco 6-0, 6-4 yesterday to ease into the Barcelona Open final, where he will face fellow Spaniard David Ferrer for a fourth time.

A ruthless Nadal dominated from the start, winning 21 of 27 points to steal Verdasco's first three service games and set him on his way to his 33rd straight win at the competition.

In the other semifinal, Ferrer held off Milos Raonic's powerful serve for a 7-6 (2), 7-6 (5) victory to give him a shot at his fourth title of the year.

"Rafa is the best clay-court player ever," said Ferrer. "He has beaten me three times in the finals here. I hope tomorrow is different."

Verdasco, who won here in 2010 when Nadal sat out the tournament he has otherwise dominated since 2005, barely offered resistance as the world's second-ranked player hit winner after winner.