Eder Militao’s personal purpose handed a depleted Barcelona a shock 1-0 away victory over Real Madrid in a stormy Copa del Rey semi-final 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.
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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 pissed off.
Militao deflected a rebound into his personal purpose 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 heading in the right direction, whereas Barcelona defended properly.
“This was the sport we wished to play — not with this consequence, nevertheless it offers us confidence for the second leg,” Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti informed reporters.
“We did not let Barcelona do what they wanted, that’s good for us, and we just have to repeat it (at Camp Nou).”
Asked if Barcelona deserved to win or not, Ancelotti stated it was clear his staff deserved extra.
“No, that’s apparent, we had possibilities, however I believe that it was considered one of Madrid’s greatest video games by way of urgent excessive,” added Ancelotti.
“It was a bit strange, their way of playing, but they have learned very well, it’s a very solid team defensively.”
Barcelona lined up with Marcos Alonso out of place at centre-back, 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
Despite Barcelona’s seven-point lead over champions Madrid in La Liga, many, together with Barca coach Xavi Hernandez, had Madrid as favourites.
Los Blancos haven’t gained the trophy since 2014 and pushed Barca again early on, with Benzema scoring a purpose 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 club paying a former refereeing chief for advice until 2018.
The temperature rose considerably when Vinicius Junior was booked midway through the first half for wrestling Frenkie de Jong to the ground.
Vinicius remonstrated vociferously with the referee, and Madrid may still have been distracted by the argument moments later when Barcelona took the lead.
The goal came against the run of play, created by Ferran Torres, who slipped through Franck Kessie, just onside.
Thibaut Courtois saved the Ivorian midfielder’s low shot but the ball rebounded off Militao, into his own net, with Nacho trying and failing to hack it clear.
Madrid gamers and supporters reacted angrily as Barcelona midfielder Gavi obtained away with smashing into Militao, however the hosts struggled to carve out possibilities.
Barcelona held their lead until the break comfortably, with supporters whistling the officials as they walked towards the tunnel.
With Carlo Ancelotti’s side unable to muster a shot on target against an underwhelming Barcelona side, perhaps some of the home supporters’ frustration aimed at the referee was misplaced.
Madrid struggled to connect with Benzema, isolated and unable to influence the game.
Record Copa winners Barcelona should have doubled their lead with 20 minutes remaining when Torres cut the ball back to Kessie, but his goal-bound shot was blocked by his own team-mate, Ansu Fati.
Rodrygo whipped a shot wide for Madrid in the final stages as they remained unable to test Ter Stegen, despite Barcelona’s deficiencies.
More traditional roles were reversed as Madrid had more of the ball but Barcelona defended solidly and took the advantage back home.
“Today they dominated us with the ball, but there are other aspects in the game, sometimes the opponent forces you to this,” admitted Xavi.
“Madrid can dominate you, it’s exhausting to get the ball off (Toni) Kroos and (Luka) Modric, however defence is a part of the sport.”
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