Copa Del Rey: Real Madrid took on arch-rivals FC Barcelona in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final in their most recent fixture and slumped to a 1-0 defeat to the Catalan outfit.
Barcelona, who had come into the game on the back of two consecutive defeats, picked up a win over Real Madrid courtesy of an own goal conceded by Eder Militao in the 26th minute.
After taking the lead in the first half, Barcelona saw off the game to earn a result that gives them an advantage heading into the second leg of the semi-final tie.
Against Barcelona, Real Madrid dominated possession but Carlo Ancelotti’s men were far from their best in the attack.
Copa Del Rey: Real Madrid had 0 shots on target against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg
Real Madrid had 65% possession and registered 13 shots in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Barcelona. But the defending La Liga champions failed to register a single shot on target in that game.
According to Statman Dave, that was the first time in more than a year that Real Madrid failed to register at least one shot on target in a game. Prior to the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg, the last time that happened was on February 15, 2022.
Real Madrid took on Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League Round of 16 first leg on February 15 last year. The Spanish behemoths suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of the French heavyweights in that game. Real Madrid registered three shots in that game, but none were on target.
Meanwhile, against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg, Barcelona had 35% possession and registered four shots. Two of those shots were on target.
Real Madrid will now need to turn the tie around in the second leg, which will take place at Camp Nou. The two sides will also clash in La Liga prior to the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg. Barcelona and Real Madrid will square off in a La Liga fixture at 1:30 am Indian Standard Time on March 20.
Meanwhile, Barcelona manager Xavi said after their 1-0 win over Real Madrid that Los Blancos are still the favourites to win the Copa del Rey semi-final tie. The Copa del Rey semi-final second leg kicks off at 1:30 am Indian Standard Time on April 6.
