It Is Strange To See Barcelona Play Like This – Carlo Ancelotti

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has criticized Barcelona’s playing style in their Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg clash on Thursday evening, labeling it as “strange.” Barcelona secured a slim 1-0 win at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Eder Militao’s own goal being the only difference between the two sides.

Despite the victory, Ancelotti feels that Barcelona did not deserve to win the game as they produced a defensive display against their hosts, denying them the chance to register a shot on target. The Real Madrid boss suggested that Barcelona did not play their typical attacking football, for which they are known.

“It’s been a bit strange to see them [Barcelona] play like this,” Ancelotti said in his post-match press conference. “There have hardly been any occasions. I think it’s been one of our best games defensively all season.”

When asked if he felt that Barcelona deserved to win the game, Ancelotti replied with a simple “No, it’s pretty obvious.”

The first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final was a closely contested affair, with both sides having several opportunities to score. However, Barcelona’s defensive display proved too much for Real Madrid to break down, and they will now have to overturn the one-goal deficit in the second leg at the Camp Nou.

Despite the loss, Carlo Ancelotti remained optimistic about his team’s chances, stating, “We are going to have to improve and compete well in the second leg to try to reach the final.”

The second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final is scheduled to take place in the first week of April at the Camp Nou. With both teams aiming to reach the final, it promises to be a closely fought encounter.