A tenacious Barcelona annoyed Real Madrid to safe a 1-0 win over their sour competitors in an ill-tempered Copa del Rey semi-final first leg on Thursday.
The guests defended fantastically after Real heart again Eder Militao scored an personal purpose within the first part, managing to conquer the lack of key gamers like Robert Lewandowski, Pedri and Ousmane Dembele who overlooked the sport because of accidents.
Barca earned a much-needed win after arriving within the Spanish capital below power having been knocked out of the Europa League and shedding at lowly Almeria to halt a seven-game successful streak in LaLiga.
“We would have liked to have the ball more, to control de game a little more but we fought hard and competed in a high level. They had the ball but didn’t create many chances. We got the advantage for the second leg and That’s really important,” Barcelona captain Sergio Busquets instructed TVE.
Real Madrid began higher and ruled the primary quarter-hour, however Barcelona began to show issues round as they took keep an eye on of the midfield and their defensive recreation plan labored brilliantly.
Barca heart again Ronald Araujo did a really perfect activity at proper again to neutralize the specter of the damaging Vinicius Jr. and Karim Benzema was once left by myself up entrance.
Real changed into annoyed and tempers flared ahead of the hosts made the the most important mistake that gave Barca the winner.
Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga proficient a again go to Ferran Torres who reacted briefly to slip the ball to Franck Kessie.
His point-blank strike was once stored however bounced off Militao and into the online.
The assistant referee signaled offside however the VAR replay confirmed Kessie was once fractionally onside and the purpose stood.
Barcelona locked Real Madrid into an excellent tighter state of affairs throughout the second one part and even supposing the hosts ruled ownership, they hardly ever threatened to equalise.
Real didn’t report a unmarried shot heading in the right direction regardless of having virtually 70% of ownership in the second one part and Barca must have prolonged their lead within the 71st minute when a Kessie shot that beat the goalkeeper was once blocked through Ansu Fati.
Substitute Rodrygo had Real’s highest likelihood with a overdue long-range strike that flew narrowly extensive of the put up.
The groups meet once more in Barcelona on April 5 with the winners to stand Athletic Bilbao or Osasuna within the last.
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