After two defeats in all competitions, Barcelona achieved a great victory against Real Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey. The 1-0 win carries over to the second leg in a month’s time at the Camp Nou.
Entering the game, the two heated rivals were in contrasting form. Real Madrid, fresh from the draw against Atlético de Madrid in the League, defeated Liverpool at Anfield with five goals against the locals. On the other hand, Barcelona lost for the fifth and sixth time this season in all competitions in a span of four days. A generally resolute defense allowed two goals for Manchester United before a 1-0 defeat at Almería, which entered the relegation zone that weekend.
It was a flip in this game. Real Madrid, encouraged by the return of Rodrygo, looked lifeless in attack. It was to the credit of Barcelona’s defense, possibly the best in Europe this season, at least in the league. However, given the injuries Barcelona are suffering, it’s a surprising result for the third Clásico of the season.
The difference was an own goal, a fitting tribute given that Barcelona played without their top three scorers of the season, Robert Lewandowski, Ousmane Dembele and Pedri. All three missed the game through injuries, but could return for the other two Clásico games later this season.
Both teams score, only one counts
Real Madrid was the first team to put the ball in the back of the net. Karim Benzema, the club’s top scorer this season, finished off a cross and beat Marc André Ter Stegen. However, the striker was clearly offside, and Barcelona went goalless.
Not long after, Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga was caught in possession by a Barcelona-pressured midfield. Ferran Torres caught the loose ball and played through Franck Kessié. Despite Thibaut Courtois saving the opening try, the rebound hit a retreating Eder Militao and past a helpless Nacho Fernández. Eder Militao assumed the unfortunate designation of an own goal in El Clásico.
Initially, the assistant referee flagged the play for offside. However, Ferland Mendy’s heel shot kept Kessié on the pitch. The goal was planted and it turned out to be the difference.
Barcelona defense holds Real Madrid in Copa del Rey
However, the talking point of this game was the great effort of the Barcelona defense. Ronaldo Araujo turned off Vinicius Junior on the left side of Real Madrid. Karim Benzema was isolated from generating any kind of impact between Jules Koundé and Marcos Alonso. The size of Barcelona at the back did well to defend the centers.
Surprisingly, Real Madrid made 13 shots. None of those tested Ter Stegen in the goal. Of course, the German goalkeeper did things well. Strong in the air and decisive on the ground. Real Madrid beat Barcelona. The hosts beat Barcelona. The difference was the impossibility of putting Ter Stegen to the test.
Barcelona should have had two goals, in fact. Ferran Torres made a strong run down the right flank before cutting the ball off to Kessié. However, the Ivorian’s shot on goal, who was going to beat Courtois, hit the goal line and went wide.
There is a chance that opportunity will come back to haunt Barcelona. This was the first of the three contests to feature fewer than four goals. Therefore, both teams are capable of scoring. That is what Real Madrid will have to do at the Camp Nou on April 5 on ESPN+.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Pressinphoto
