Ancelotti surprised by how Barca defended
"I was a bit surprised to see Barca play like that, but they have learned to defend very well," admitted Ancelotti after the game at the Bernabeu. "They are very strong in that respect. We lose the ball a lot, and that's not a good thing for us."
At the Bernabeu yesterday, Real did not take advantage of the advantage of controlling the ball 65%. They shot six times, but never aimed at goal. Meanwhile, Barca had only two shots and only one goal, but scored from the 26th minute. Real defender Eder Militao owns an own goal when he accidentally touches the ball from a situation where Kessie kicks goalkeeper Courtois.
"I don't think Barca deserved to win," added Ancelotti. "It was one of Real's best games in terms of control. If we play like that in the second leg, we'll have more chances. I don't think Barca can approach the game like that playing on top. home yard".
In terms of attack, Ancelotti admitted Real did not do well against Barca. He also admitted Barca defender Ronald Araujo completely countered Vinicius - Real's star winger.
From the beginning of 2022, Real always played well when they were behind. They have successfully come upstream against PSG, Chelsea, Man City in the Champions League last season and Liverpool in the first leg of the 1/8 round this season. Therefore, Ancelotti is very optimistic about the opportunity for Real in the second leg, even though he has to play at Camp Nou.
"It's not the first time we've had to come upstream," said Ancelotti. "Real lost to Barca in the first leg, but will definitely pass, if they keep playing like that in the second leg."
The 0-1 defeat on March 2 was Real's first loss to Barca at home this season. Before that, Ancelotti's teachers and students won 3-1 in the first leg of La Liga here. Barca won again 3-1 in the final of the Spanish Super Cup on a neutral field.
The two teams will play the semi-final second leg of the King's Cup on April 5, at Camp Nou. Previously, on March 19, Barca also hosted the second leg of El Clasico in La Liga.
Barca is leading La Liga with 59 points after 23 matches. They are seven points ahead of Real and 16 points ahead of the third ranked team, Sociedad. Previously, Barca ranked behind Bayern and Inter in the Champions League group stage. They also soon had to say goodbye to the Europa League when they lost 3-4 to Man Utd in the play-off round.
