Xavi has learned from the defeat of Manchester United and Almeria, defense has been the priority of Xavi due to conceding three goals in his last two matches. In this prestigious match the Barcelona defender played with brilliant, Kounde, Alonso, Araujo and Balde played so spectacularly, they survived very well which made Real Madrid players unable to score a single goal in this match despite controlling the game.
As a result of the clever tactics used by Xavi, Madrid failed to make shots on target at home for the first time in the last 13 years. The second leg will be very beneficial for Barcelona, besides playing in front of his supporters, Barcelona has a capital of one goal at the Santiago Bernabeu.
That's one of the qualities of a good coach, he is a good coach but then he lacks good players. I'm wowed because without some players he won Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabue. Kudos to players like, Kessie, Balde, Kounde and Araujo who all contributed to the great and solid defending and also the goal scored.
This ain't the first time Xavi has dealt with Real Madrid at that stadium though even without Barcelona. Ancellotti has work to be done else he'll be replaced. I'm not cool with Barcelona's consistency but if they sure get serious, they're winning the League.