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A resilient Barcelona frustrated Real Madrid to win 1-0 against their bitter rivals in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final at the Bernabeu on Thursday.
The visitors defended well after Madrid centre-back Eder Militao scored an own goal in the first half, overcoming the loss of key players Robert Lewandowski, Pedri and Ousmane Dembele, who all missed the game through injury.
It was a much-needed win for Barca after they arrived in the Spanish capital under pressure, were knocked out of the Europa League by Manchester United and then lost at lowly Almeria to end their seven-game winning streak in LaLiga.
“We would have liked to have more ball, control the game less, but we fought hard and competed at a high level. They had the ball but didn’t create many chances. We had the advantage for the second leg and that’s really important,” said Barcelona captain Sergio Busquets TV.
Real Madrid started the better and dominated the first 15 minutes, but Barcelona started to turn things around as they controlled the midfield and their defensive game plan worked well.
Barca centre-back Ronald Araujo did a good job at right-back to neutralize the threat of Vinicius Jr. which is dangerous and Karim Benzema is left in front.
Real Madrid’s Eder Militao puts the ball into his own net during the Bernabeu meeting
Madrid were left frustrated and angry before the hosts made a crucial error that handed Barca the winner.
Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga provided feedback to Ferran Torres, who reacted quickly to slide the ball to Franck Kessie.
The point-blank strike was saved by Thibault Courtois, but the rebound hit Militao and went into the net.
The assistant referee flagged for offside, but VAR replays showed Kessie was on the small side and the goal stood.
Barcelona players celebrate after going ahead
Barcelona locked Real Madrid into a tighter situation during the second half and although the hosts dominated possession, they rarely threatened to draw level.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side did not register a single shot on target despite almost 70 per cent of possession in the second half and Barca should have extended their lead in the 71st minute when Kessie’s shot past Courtois was blocked by team-mate Ansu Fati.
Substitute Rodrygo had Madrid’s best chance with a late long-range strike that flew narrowly wide.
The teams meet again in Barcelona on April 5 with the winner facing either Athletic Bilbao or Osasuna in the final.
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