An unfortunate own goal by Eder Militao helped Barcelona produce one of the narrow football scores of the weekend in the Copa del Ray. The visitors defended brilliantly after Madrid center-back Eder Militao scored an own goal in the first half, overcoming the absence of important players Robert Lewandowski, Pedri, and Ousmane Dembele, who were all injured. It was a much-needed win for Barcelona, who arrived in the Spanish capital after being knocked out of the Europa League by Manchester United and then losing at lowly Almeria to end a seven-game winning streak in La Liga.
Real Madrid dominated the first 15 minutes, but Barcelona began to turn things around as they gained control of the middle and executed their defensive game plan flawlessly. Barcelona center-back Ronald Araujo did an excellent job at right-back to neutralize the dangerous Vinicius Jr., leaving Karim Benzema alone up front. Madrid got upset, and tempers boiled before the hosts made the vital error that handed Barcelona the game-winning goal. Eduardo Camavinga, a Madrid midfielder, sent a back pass to Ferran Torres, who reacted fast to throw the ball to Franck Kessie.
Thibault Courtois saved his point-blank shot, but the rebound deflected off Militao and into the net. The assistant referee flagged offside, but the VAR playback revealed Kessie was just onside, and the goal stayed. Throughout the second half, Barcelona put Real Madrid under even more pressure, and despite dominating possession, the hosts barely threatened to equalize.
Despite having nearly 70% control in the second half, Carlo Ancelotti’s side did not record a single shot on target, and Barcelona should have increased their advantage in the 71st minute when a Kessie attempt that beat Courtois was blocked by teammate Ansu Fati. Madrid’s greatest chance came from a late long-range shot by substitute Rodrygo, which sailed well wide of the post. The clubs will meet again on April 5 in Barcelona, with the winner facing Athletic Bilbao or Osasuna in the final.
“We would have wanted to have had more control of the game, but we fought hard and competed at a good level,” Barcelona captain Sergio Busquets said.
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