Even without top scorer Robert Lewandowski, FC Barcelona can still dream of reaching the final of the Copa del Rey. At the start of the "Clasico weeks", the Catalans narrowly win against arch-rivals Real Madrid in the very heated and underwhelming first leg of the cup semifinals.
Even without the injured striker Robert Lewandowski, FC Barcelona opened the Clasico weeks with a win and made a big step towards the double. The Catalans won the semi-final first leg of the Spanish Football Cup at rivals Real Madrid 1-0 (1-0) and thus have the best chance of reaching the final on April 5 in the second leg. Before that, however, the two clubs will meet in the championship on March 19, where Barca could make a preliminary decision given their seven-point lead.
A curious own goal by Eder Militao sealed Barça's victory at the Estadio Bernabeu (26'). The defender was unlucky after a save by goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. In the first half, it was practically the only chance for the guests, with Lewandowski missing due to a muscle injury. Previously, a "strangle" scuffle had caused a stir. In a tough duel between Vinícius Júnior and Frenkie de Jong, the Brazilian grabbed his opponent's neck with both hands in a headlock and threw him to the ground in best wrestling fashion. He rightly saw the yellow card.
Otherwise, the increasingly desperate Real pushed for Marc-André ter Stegen's goal in a hard-fought game, but he showed no weaknesses. It never got really dangerous. Team-mate Sergio Busquets was playing his 46th Clasico, surpassing Sergio Ramos and Lionel Messi (both 45). Former world champions Toni Kroos and Antonio Rüdiger started at Real. Ex-Bayern professional David Alaba was injured. Both teams gave nothing. Again and again there were tough duels and provocations. The main focus was on Vinicius Junior and Barcas Gavi.
In the second semi-final, CA Osasuna won the first leg against Athletic Bilbao 1-0 on Wednesday. The final will take place in Seville on May 6th.
