Soccer

Barcelona earn gutsy win at Real Madrid in Copa del Rey semi-final first leg

Eder Militao’s first-half own goal gives visitors the upper hand at the Bernabeu

Real Madrid's Nacho Fernandez tackles Barcelona's Raphinha during the Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg match at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium. Photograph: Oscar del Pozo/AFP via Getty Images
Real Madrid's Nacho Fernandez tackles Barcelona's Raphinha during the Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg match at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium. Photograph: Oscar del Pozo/AFP via Getty Images
Thu Mar 02 2023 - 22:14

Real Madrid 0 Barcelona 1

A tenacious Barcelona frustrated Real Madrid to secure a 1-0 win over their bitter rivals in an ill-tempered Copa del Rey semi-final first leg at the Bernabeu on Thursday.

The visitors defended superbly after Real centre back Eder Militao scored an own goal in the first half.

Barcelona's winner arrived in the 26th minute when Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga gifted a back pass to Ferran Torres who reacted quickly to slide the ball to Franck Kessie.

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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.

The teams meet again in Barcelona on April 5th with the winners to face Athletic Bilbao or Osasuna in the final.

(c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2023