In the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final, Barcelona managed to secure a 1-0 victory against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.
The winning goal came from an own goal by Eder Militao after Franck Kessie’s shot was saved by Thibaut Courtois. Despite having more possession and chances, Real Madrid were unable to equalize, and Barca’s defense held strong.
Xavi made five changes to his starting team, including an entirely new back four, and the visitors defended deep after taking the lead to secure the win. Madrid will have to overturn the deficit at the Nou Camp on April 5 to prevent Barca from moving closer to a domestic trophy treble.
Barca’s defense has conceded only eight goals in 23 league matches this season, and the team showed that they know how to get the job done in domestic football, even in the absence of injured attacking players like Robert Lewandowski and Ousmane Dembele.