FC Barcelona Beat Real Madrid In The First Leg Of The Copa Dey Rey Semi-Final Fixture
Hello sports community, it has been a while since I posted here. I have been distracted by the election that happened in my country and had less interest in what is going on in the sports world, but I am back now and ready to continue writing about what I love.
Yesterday FC Barcelona beat Real Madrid away from home in the first leg of the Copa Del Rey semi-final, although it was an own goal the credit goes to Frank Kessie who made a brilliant effort to set up the goal. Before the game began I was skeptical about how Barcelona could line up against Real Madrid because the squad was missing important players for the big game.
Dembele who is still recovering from his injury was not in the squad, Lewandoski the club-only striker picked up an injury in training, and Pedri who is still on his recovery journey was out of the squad. Andrea Christensen was on the squad list but before the match, there were rumors he picked up an injury, Barcelona did not confirm this news but since he was not on the starting lineup it seemed the rumors were true.
The four players mentioned have a vital role in the squad, especially Pedri who has been very important in Barcelona's midfield, his presence was missed on the field last night. Before the game started I was less interested in the outcome of the match because I thought Real Madrid was probably going to win the first leg but Barcelona stood their ground at the Santiago Bernabeu and delivered an outstanding performance.
Barcelona's defensive work was top notch and it gave Real Madrid a tough time, Vinicius Jnr, as usual, got pocketed by Ronald Araujo who is one of the best defenders in the world, Vinicius created no chance he was totally cut off the pitch by Araujo. Real Madrid failed to get a shot on target in the whole 90 minutes, which shows the work effort of the defensive line put in last night, although Barcelona was not good offensively they were more committed to protecting their lead and they executed it perfectly.
The second leg will be held in the Spotify Camp Nou on the 19th of March and guess what Dembele, Pedri, Lewandoski, and Christensen will all be available for the second leg of the Copa Del Rey semi-final, Madrid should kiss the Copa Del Rey goodbye😂.
Xavi did a fantastic job and will be praised for the rest of the week, somehow Barca can beat Real Madrid but can't perform in European competition, I get that Xavi is focused on winning the league title but he should consider improving on his tactics in competition outside the league, hopefully will see changes next season. So guys that will be all for now, thanks for stopping by, and have a great day.