Real Madrid 0 Barcelona 1 – Report

Eder Militao’s personal aim handed a depleted Barcelona a shock 1-0 away victory over Real Madrid in a stormy Copa del Rey semi-remaining first leg on Thursday.

The Catalans arrived on the again of two consecutive defeats and with out an injured trio of key gamers — prime scorer Robert Lewandowski, key midfielder Pedri and explosive winger Ousmane Dembele.

After their Europa League elimination by Manchester United final week and a primary ever loss in opposition to La Liga minnows Almeria, Madrid followers smelled blood, however left bitterly annoyed.

Militao deflected a rebound into his personal aim after 26 minutes to separate the groups and hand Barcelona the sting forward of the second leg on April 5 at Camp Nou.

The hosts had extra of the ball however did not muster a shot on the right track, whereas Barcelona defended effectively.

“This was the sport we wished to play — not with this outcome, but it surely provides us confidence for the second leg,” Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti informed reporters.

“We didn’t let Barcelona do what they wished, that is good for us, and we simply must repeat it (at Camp Nou).”

Requested if Barcelona deserved to win or not, Ancelotti stated it was clear his crew deserved extra.

“No, that’s apparent, we had possibilities, however I believe that it was one in all Madrid’s greatest video games when it comes to urgent excessive,” added Ancelotti.

“It was a bit unusual, their approach of enjoying, however they’ve discovered very effectively, it is a very stable crew defensively.”

Barcelona lined up with Marcos Alonso out of place at centre-again, after Andreas Christensen was solely deemed match sufficient to begin on the bench.

Sergio Busquets made his forty sixth Clasico look, overtaking former Real Madrid and Barcelona greats Sergio Ramos and Lionel Messi to set a brand new document.

– Madrid frustrations –

Regardless of Barcelona’s seven-level lead over champions Madrid in La Liga, many, together with Barca coach Xavi Hernandez, had Madrid as favourites.

Los Blancos haven’t received the trophy since 2014 and pushed Barca again early on, with Benzema scoring a aim dominated out for offside.

A handful of Madrid followers had protested outdoors the Santiago Bernabeu about Barca’s involvement within the “Negreira case” — the Catalan membership paying a former refereeing chief for recommendation till 2018.

The temperature rose significantly when Vinicius Junior was booked halfway by the primary half for wrestling Frenkie de Jong to the bottom.

Vinicius remonstrated vociferously with the referee, and Madrid should still have been distracted by the argument moments later when Barcelona took the lead.

The aim got here in opposition to the run of play, created by Ferran Torres, who slipped by Franck Kessie, simply onside.

Thibaut Courtois saved the Ivorian midfielder’s low shot however the ball rebounded off Militao, into his personal internet, with Nacho making an attempt and failing to hack it clear.

Madrid gamers and supporters reacted angrily as Barcelona midfielder Gavi bought away with smashing into Militao, however the hosts struggled to carve out possibilities.

Barcelona held their lead till the break comfortably, with supporters whistling the officers as they walked in the direction of the tunnel.

With Carlo Ancelotti’s aspect unable to muster a shot on the right track in opposition to an underwhelming Barcelona aspect, maybe a few of the residence supporters’ frustration aimed on the referee was misplaced.

Madrid struggled to attach with Benzema, remoted and unable to affect the sport.

Report Copa winners Barcelona ought to have doubled their lead with 20 minutes remaining when Torres reduce the ball again to Kessie, however his aim-sure shot was blocked by his personal crew-mate, Ansu Fati.

Rodrygo whipped a shot vast for Madrid within the remaining phases as they remained unable to check Ter Stegen, regardless of Barcelona’s deficiencies.

Extra conventional roles had been reversed as Madrid had extra of the ball however Barcelona defended solidly and took the benefit again residence.

“Right now they dominated us with the ball, however there are different facets within the sport, typically the opponent forces you to this,” admitted Xavi.

“Madrid can dominate you, it is arduous to get the ball off (Toni) Kroos and (Luka) Modric, however defence is a part of the sport.”

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© Agence France-Presse