Xavi laments Barcelona's performance in Clasico win

Despite the absence of some key players, Barca scrapped a crucial 1-0 Copa del Rey win in the Spanish capital.

Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez was pleased with his side’s defensive work, but rued their lack of possession in the 1-0 Copa del Rey victory over Real Madrid.

In the first of a two-legged semi-final tie on Thursday, Barcelona snatched a one-goal aggregate lead at the Santiago Bernabeu. Eder Militao’s first-half own goal settled the game.

However, the win was marred by Barca’s struggles to hold the ball, having only registered 35.3% possession – their lowest tally in the last 10 seasons, according to Opta.

“I am satisfied with the effort and how we defended,” Xavi said in a post-match press conference.

“We minimized Madrid’s chances at their own ground, where they usually create a lot. It was a positive result, which I am happy about, but we have work to do on the ball. The plan was to have long spells of possession and defend with the ball, but we couldn’t.

“Normally, we are better in possession, more precise. We didn’t make good choices today, we didn’t have patience with the ball, we didn’t win the physical battles in their half, but I liked other aspects of the game.”

Barcelona next play Valencia at Camp Nou this coming Sunday. For betting tips and match stats, visit the Ace Football preview here.