Barcelona seemed to have lost momentum after their seven-game winning streak in La Liga came to an end after 1-0 shock defeat to Almeria. Xavi Hernandez now has the advantage over his counterpart Carlo Ancelotti after edging Los Blancos 0-1.
The La Liga leaders lost to Manchester United in the Europa League but bounced back from back-to-back defeats to beat Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg.
Xavi’s side defended deep after taking the lead and their discipline earned a narrow advantage to take into the second leg at the Nou Camp on April 5.
Militao own goal separated the sides at the Bernabeu making it a 0-1 lead despite the hosts having more possession and chances in both halves as it calls for a bad day in office for Carlo Ancelotti.
The shock league defeat at the weekend and the elimination from Europe did not come their way as Barca defended so well despite missing key players like Robert Lewandowski, Pedri and Ousmane Dembele, who all missed the game due to injuries.
It was a new change of shape and style for Barca after the defeat from Almeria with a new back four forcing the former midfielder to make five changes to his starting team.
The game was full of temper and much intense as yellow card was shown to Barcelona head Coach Xavi and a not convincing action was Vinicius Jr throwing Frenkie de Jong to the turf via a headlock, but it was the visitors who took the lead – and in farcical circumstances.
Militao embarrassment comes after Franck Kessie’s shot was saved by Thibaut Courtois but ricocheted back off Militao and rolled into the net while his fellow centre-back Nacho attempted to clear the ball off the line, a goal was initially ruled out for offside but stood after the video assistant referee (VAR) indicated that, while Raphinha had moved early, he was not interfering with play and Kessie was level.
Barca is solid at the back conceding just eight goals in 23 league matches this season and going into the game on Thursday the final third was never lethal as The Blaugrana missed Robert Lewandowski and Ousmane Dembele with Former Manchester City forward Ferran Torres and ex-Leeds winger Raphinha being key players leading the attack.
Remember Real went into the game recalling the January’s Super Cup defeat to their rivals still in their minds but they have to prove themselves again on 5th in what is called the second leg at Nou Camp.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side did not record a single shot on target despite having almost 70 per cent of possession in the second half and Barca should have extended their lead in the 71st minute when a Kessie shot that beat Courtois was blocked by team-mate Ansu Fati.
Madrid dominated possession until the end, but will have to overturn this at the Nou Camp to prevent Barca from moving closer to a domestic trophy this season.
Substitute Rodrygo had Madrid’s best chance with a late long-range strike that flew narrowly wide of the post.
Barcelona captain Sergio Busquets speaking to TVE after the game;
“We would have liked to have the ball more, to control de game a little more but we fought hard and competed in a high level. They had the ball but didn’t create many chances. We got the advantage for the second leg and that’s really important,”
The teams meet again in Barcelona on April 5 with the winners to face Athletic Bilbao or Osasuna in the final.
