Real Madrid manager, Carlo Ancelotti has said that his team lost against Barcelona during both sides’ Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg tie on Thursday at Santiago Bernabeu because the visitors’ defensive line was very tight.
Ancelotti admitted that Real Madrid put in a lot of crosses, but Barcelona are strong in the air.
Eder Militao’s first-half own goal separated both sides and gave Xavi’s men a slim advantage going into the second leg of their semi-final at Nou Camp next month.
“It was a good game. We played an intense game, with a lot of pressure up front,” Ancelotti said at his post-match press conference.
“The fact that they had 34 percent possession means that we did well in this aspect, but their defensive line was very tight.
“We put in a lot of crosses, but they are strong in the air. It is the game we wanted to play and it gives us confidence for the second leg.”