Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is confident Los Blancos will reach the Copa del Rey final despite Defeated Barcelona 1-0 in the first leg of the semi-final..
Ancelotti’s side dominated the stats sheet, enjoying 65 per cent possession and 13 shots to Barcelona’s four, but a first-half goal from Eder Militao handed them a disappointing defeat at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Despite the result, Ancelotti insisted he was happy with the performance and the boss told his side that a similar performance in the second leg would be enough to see them through to the final.
“It was a good game, intense, with a lot of pressure,” Ancelotti admitted. “They only had 35 percent possession.
“This is the game we wanted to play, but the result didn’t happen. It gives us confidence for the second leg. We have to repeat this match at the Camp Nou.
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“I don’t think they deserved to win. It was one of our best games in terms of control. If we play like that in the second leg, we will have more chances. I don’t think Barcelona will reach this game. can.” So at home.
“It was a bit surprising to see Barcelona play like that, but they have learned to defend very well. They are very strong in that aspect. We lost a lot of balls, and that is not the best thing for us.”
The semi-final second leg is scheduled for April 5, before the two teams meet in La Liga action at the Camp Nou on March 19, in what looks to be a crucial game in the race for the league title.
Xavi’s Barcelona are seven points clear at the top of the table and so a win is almost a must for Real if they are to make a shock comeback.