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Published 07:46 IST, March 3rd 2023

Xavi heaps praise on Barcelona defense after 1-0 win over Real Madrid in Copa Del Rey semi final

Barcelona defeat Real Madrid in the Bernabeu in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final 1-0. Not a pretty game where Real Madrid had the possesion, 65%, but no clear chances. Barcelona defended really well and it was difficult to recognize the famous Barca style.

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Image: AP | Image: self
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Barcelona defeat Real Madrid in the Bernabeu in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final 1-0. Not a pretty game where Real Madrid had the possesion, 65%, but no clear chances. Barcelona defended really well and it was difficult to recognize the famous Barca style.

Eder Militao own goal gave Barca the advantage in Copa del Reay Semi-final.

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"Real Madrid has controlled us with the ball, with high pressure. It has been difficult. We could have tied in the end. The team has been great, all the players has shown solidarity, and we defended spectacularly. We achieved an amazing victory but I still see Real Madrid very strong. We minimized the Real Madrid play. Normally, they create a lot of chances in the Bernabeu, but today they had almost no chances."

"I said yesterday that Real Madrid is the favorite because it has a lot of resources. They have technical quality, Kross and Modric are amazing. They are also very strong physically, they do not lose a ball, it is impossible to take the ball from Nacho, Militao, Rudiger, Nacho, Tchouaméni, Camavinga. They have an amazing team. Today, we minimized their play. Vinicius normally has 6 or 7 chances per game, today he had none. My team has done an extraordinary job against Real Madrid, that it is the current Liga and Champions League winner."

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07:33 IST, March 3rd 2023