Ancelotti: ‘It was strange to see Barca play like this’

Speaking after Real Madrid’s loss to Barcelona in the Copa Del Rey semi-final first leg, Carlo Ancelotti said: “It’s been a bit strange to see them [Barcelona] play like this.

“But they have been very solid, they have a collective commitment, and they have closed all the lines very well. Having to attack them with crosses is not the best thing to do, as I said before. And they have led us to that.”

Barca only had about 36% of the ball possession in the El Clasico, but they still managed to get away with a precious win thanks to some amazing defending from their players.

They’ll now hope to book a place in the Copa del Rey final by getting another win at Camp Nou in the second leg next month.