Carlo Ancelotti confided his reaction to the media after Real Madrid’s defeat against FC Barcelona (0-1) on Thursday evening in the first leg of the King’s Cup semi-final.
Photo credits: Bagu Blanco/Pressinphoto/IconSport
Real Madrid surrendered in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals. Thursday, the club from the Spanish capital lost at home to FC Barcelona (0-1), on a csc from its Brazilian defender Eder Militao (26th). The Merengues are now back to the wall for qualification in the final, before the return match scheduled at Camp Nou on April 5.
“This is the game we wanted to do”
Despite the setback conceded by his players, Carlo Ancelotti liked the performance of the team, in a press conference, to the point of showing optimism before the second act. “Barcelona didn’t deserve to win, that’s obvious. This defeat will not leave any scars because we are satisfied with the match (…) It was a good meeting. We had an intense game, with a lot of pressure up front (…) It’s the game we wanted to play and it gives us confidence for the return.”
The Italian coach continues: “We didn’t have any chances, but at the defensive level of high pressing, it was one of Real’s best games. Barcelona defended very low and we had difficulties in transitions (…) If we have this intensity, we will have the opportunity to overthrow this qualifier. I don’t believe Barcelona will put up such a defensive game at Camp Nou. We started and finished the game well.”
Second in La Liga seven points behind the Blaugrana, Karim Benzema’s partners will travel to Betis Sevilla on Sunday as part of the 24th day. As a reminder, Casa Blanca won against Liverpool in the round of 16 first leg of the Champions League (5-2), at Anfield, before the return match set for Wednesday March 15 at Santiago-Bernabeu.
