Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti remains confident that Los Blancos can advance to the Copa del Rey final despite falling to a 1-0 defeat to Barcelona in the semi-final first leg.
Ancelotti’s side dominated on the stats sheet, boasting 65% possession and taking 13 shots to Barcelona’s four, but a first-half own goal from Eder Militao saw them fall to a frustrating 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 showing in the second leg would be enough to see them advance to the final.
“It was a good game, intense, with a lot of pressure,” Ancelotti admitted. “They only had 35% posession.
“It’s the game we wanted to play, but not the result. It gives us confidence for the second leg. We have to repeat this match at Camp Nou.
“I don’t think they deserved to win. It was one of our best games in terms of control. If we play like this in the second leg, we’ll have more chances. I don’t think Barcelona can approach the game like that at home.
“It was a bit surprising to see Barcelona play like that, but they have learned to defend very well. They’re very strong in that aspect. We lost a lot of balls, and that’s not the best thing for us.”
The second leg of the semi-final is scheduled for April 5, before which the two sides will face in La Liga action at Camp Nou on March 19, in what looks set to be a crucial game in the race for the league title.
Xavi’s Barcelona sit seven points clear at the top of the table and so a victory is almost a necessity for Real if they are to pull off a shock comeback.
