Barcelona manager Xavi has admitted his side must improve if they are to protect their 1-0 Copa del Rey semi-final lead over Real Madrid in the second leg.
The Blaugrana emerged from Madrid with a narrow 1-0 lead thanks to an own goal from Eder Militao, sealing victory in a game in which Barcelona managed just 35% possession and four shots on goal.
Real boss Carlo Ancelotti has argued Barcelona did not deserve to win and, ahead of the second leg, Xavi warned his side that a similar performance at home will not be acceptable.
“The result is very positive,” Xavi began. “I’m happy with the work rate, solid defending to minimise Real Madrid in our half.
“The game was difficult. We didn’t know how to keep the ball. We found it hard to win duels in Madrid’s half. We defended well without the ball. I am satisfied, but we have to improve with the ball, we cannot give our opponents such dominance. I am satisfied with the result but not the match.
“Our plan was different, to dominate in the rival half, to defend with the ball, but we couldn’t do that. We weren’t neat with the ball.
“We can’t boast about this win. This is not the game we wanted. We want to generate more scoring chances. We didn’t want to play like that, but the opponent led us to play like that. We weren’t good with the ball, but you also have to defend. It’s part of the game.
“We have an advantage [heading into the second leg], but we will still need to compete. The return home, with our fans, is positive, but I still see Real Madrid as favourites. They dominated us with the ball, so they are still favourites.”
Before the second leg on April 5, Barcelona will host Real at Camp Nou in La Liga on March 19, which could be a season-defining game for both sides.
