The Catalans escaped Santiago Bernabeu despite defending for most of the game.
Carlo Ancelotti didn’t expect Barcelona to take a conservative approach to their Copa del Rey clash against Real Madrid.
An own goal from Eder Militao put the Catalans ahead in the 26th minute. After that, Xavi Hernandez’s men gave up the possession to sit deep inside their own half.
In the absence of the likes of Ousmane Dembele and Robert Lewandowski, Barca’s effective defending earned them the victory at Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid ended the game without a single shot on target. But Ancelotti believes his side could change the aggregate result in their favour when the two sides meet again in April.
“I don’t think they deserved to win,” Ancelotti told reporters.
“It was one of the best games in terms of control. If we play like this in the second leg we’ll have more chances, I don’t think Barcelona can approach the game like that at home.”
He added: “It’s been a bit surprising to see Barcelona play like that, but they’ve learned to defend very well. They’re very strong in that aspect.”
Real Madrid will now return to La Liga where they sit seven points behind their arch-rivals at the top of the table. Ancelotti’s side will meet Real Betis in their next league game on Sunday.
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