Copa del Rey: Barca Stun Real Madrid In 1-0 Win In El Clasico

Barcelona showed great tenacity to frustrate their bitter rivals Real Madrid and secure a 1-0 victory in an ill-tempered first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal on Thursday.

Despite missing key players like Robert Lewandowski, Pedri, and Ousmane Dembele due to injuries, the visitors defended superbly and overcame an own goal by Real centre-back Eder Militao in the first half.

Barcelona's much-needed win came after arriving in the Spanish capital under pressure, having been knocked out of the Europa League and lost to lowly Almeria, halting a seven-game winning streak in LaLiga.

"We would have liked to have had more possession and control of the game, but we fought hard and competed at a high level.

"They had the ball but didn’t create many chances. We got the advantage for the second leg, and that's really important," said Barcelona captain Sergio Busquets to TVE.

Although Real Madrid started better and dominated the first 15 minutes, Barcelona turned things around as they took control of the midfield and executed their defensive game plan brilliantly.

Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo did an excellent job at right-back, neutralising the threat of the dangerous Vinicius Jr., leaving Karim Benzema alone up front.

Real Madrid became increasingly frustrated, and tempers flared before the hosts made the crucial mistake that gave Barcelona the winner.

Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga gifted a back pass to Ferran Torres, who reacted quickly to slide the ball to Franck Kessie.

His point-blank strike was saved but bounced off Militao and into the net.

The assistant referee signalled offside, but the VAR replay showed Kessie was fractionally onside, and the goal stood.

Barcelona tightened their grip on the game in the second half, and although Real Madrid dominated possession, they rarely threatened to equalise.

Real did not record a single shot on target despite having almost 70 per cent of possession in the second half.

Barcelona should have extended their lead in the 71st minute when a Kessie shot that beat the goalkeeper was blocked by Ansu Fati.

Substitute Rodrygo had Real's best chance with a late long-range strike that flew narrowly wide of the post.

The two teams will meet again in Barcelona on April 5, with the winners facing Athletic Bilbao or Osasuna in the final.