It was a much-needed win for Xavi’s side after arriving in the Madrid under pressure, having been knocked out of the Europa League by Manchester United and then losing at a lowly Almeria in the La Liga.
Follow Us
Barcelona secured a narrow 1-0 win over arch rivals Real Madrid in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final tie at Santiago Bernabeu on Thursday night. Eder Militao’s own goal inside the opening 26 minutes separated the two sides in Madrid. It was a much-needed win for Xavi’s side after arriving in the Spanish capital under pressure, having been knocked out of the Europa League by Manchester United and then losing to Almeria to end a seven-game winning streak in the La Liga. Meanwhile, the Catalonia outfit managed to secure the win despite missing key players like Robert Lewandowski, Ousmane Dembele and Pedri.
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti had a full-strength squad at his disposal and went into the match full of confidence, having won five of their last six games in all competitions, including a come-from-behind 5-2 win over Liverpool at Anfield in the Champions League. As expected Los Blancos started the match brightly and dominated the proceedings in the first 15 minutes. Luka Modric could have taken the lead in the opening minute as he was played through by Dani Carvajal, but the Croatian playmaker’s shot side-netted. Although Karim Benzema found the back of the net from Vinicus Junior’s cross, the linesman had raised the flag for offside.
Mid-way through the first half, against the run of play, Barcelona managed to find the back of the net. Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga gifted a back pass to Ferran Torres, who reacted quickly and played a nice little pass to find the overlapping run of Franck Kessie, and the Ivory Coast international’s effort from point-blank range was saved by Thibaut Courtois, but the rebound bounced off Militao and into the net. The assistant referee signalled offside but the VAR replay showed Kessie was fractionally onside and the goal stood. After taking the lead, Xavi’s side tightened their defence and played unlike the typical Barcelona that we are used to seeing.
Blaugrana recorded just 35 % of ball possession and managed to restrict Real Madrid to zero shots on goal. Despite having more than 70% possession in the second half, Los Blancos failed to create any real goal-scoring chances. Vinicius was brilliantly neutralised by Barca right-back Ronald Araujo. Meanwhile, the visitors could have extended their lead in the 71st minute but Kessie’s effort from Torres’ cut back beat Courtois before being blocked by his own teammate Ansu Fati. Substitute Rodrygo had Madrid’s best chance with a long-ranger that flew narrowly wide of the post in the 89th-minute. The teams will meet again in Barcelona on April 5 with the winners to face either Osasuna or Athletic Bilbao in the final.
Eder Militao own goal gives Barcelona a 1-0 advantage against Real Madrid to take into the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi final at the Nou Camp on April 5. pic.twitter.com/JFRoRRdVdz
— FT90Extra ⚽ (@FT90Extra) March 3, 2023
FULL TIME!!!!!!!!!!!! #ELCLÁSICO pic.twitter.com/EsL89Qmo1n
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 2, 2023
FT.
Real Madrid 0 – 1 Barcelona
Barcelona defeated Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu without Pedri, Dembele and Lewandowski.
Xavi loves playing against Real Madrid #RadullKE pic.twitter.com/WRx0rIiszS
— Carol Radull (@CarolRadull) March 3, 2023
Xavi has four #ElClásico wins over the past year.
Real Madrid 0-4 Barcelona
Real Madrid 0-1 Barcelona
Real Madrid 1-3 Barcelona
Real Madrid 0-1 BarcelonaBoom. pic.twitter.com/mvOY20u6LU
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 2, 2023
