Quote from: Oluwa-btc on Today at 04:39:46 PM

Quote from: mamesso on Today at 02:04:29 PM

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.

Barcelona did not have enough coordination in the attacking. A lot of times someone was shooting and there was someone else almost blocking the shot. Even a clear goal was also denied for Barcelona by a Barcelona player because he got in the way.

At the same time, I have to say Barcelona was really lucky to win this match. Because the first goal and the only goal that was scored in this match was actually saved by Courtois. But the Real Madrid defenders, two of them were unable to keep that ball out when the ball hit their bodies. I wonder if Barcelona will be able to win the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final as well.