FC Barcelona has the best chance of reaching the final of the Copa del Rey. In the first leg of the semifinals, the Catalans won the Clásico at Real Madrid with an own goal.
The only goal of the game came on Thursday evening (March 2nd, 2023) from Madrid’s Eder Militão in the 26th minute. The centre-back was not to blame, however, as a shot deflected by goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois caught Militão in the shin and the ball bounced into the net.
Barcelona’s victory was deserved and could have been even bigger. However, the Madrilenians, where German world champion Toni Kroos was substituted in the 74th minute, also had some good chances. An early goal from Karim Benzema was rightly ruled out for offside.
The only goal of the game did not initially count either, as Franck Kessié was said to have been offside when Courtois blocked a shot. However, it only took the video assistant a short time to clarify that this was not the case.
Two more Clásico are waiting
The second leg in Barcelona will be played on April 5th. Before that, the two rivals will meet at the same place on Sunday (March 19, 2023) for a duel in the Primera Division. Barcelona are currently seven points ahead of Real at the top of the table.
In the other Copa del Rey semi-final, CA Osasuna head into the second leg at Athletic Bilbao with a 1-0 advantage.