A fantastic defensive performance from Barca was enough to win them the first leg.
Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 1-0 in the first leg of the Copa del Rey’s semifinals on Thursday. Real Madrid’s attacking efforts weren’t enough to break their opponents’ fierce resistance.
Another El Clasico win for Xavi!
Barcelona started off as the better side while their opponents were struggling to find their feet in the game.
The Catalans made a few unsuccessful attempts to get behind Real Madrid’s backline. But they finally found a breakthrough when Gavi’s through ball found Franck Kessie in a one-on-one situation with Thibaut Courtois.
The Real Madrid keeper saved the initial shot, but the rebound bounced off Eder Militao and rolled into the back of the net. The goal put Barca ahead, convincing Xavi to take a conservative approach to the rest of the game.
The hosts increased the intensity of their attacks in the second period. But the Catalans maintained their relentless pressing and precise positioning in defence.
Real Madrid barely got inside Barca’s box, but the visitors had a golden chance to double their lead in the 72nd minute. Kessie came close to scoring again, but Fati blocked his low shot in front of the goal.
The Blancos ended the game without a single shot on target, failing to score in a game for the first time since February 5. The two sides will meet again at Camp Nou on March 20.
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