Carlo Ancelotti says watching defensive Barcelona is ‘strange’ after Real Madrid’s defeat

Carlo Ancelotti says watching defensive Barcelona is ‘strange’ after Real Madrid’s defeat

Carlo Ancelotti believes it was ‘strange’ to see Barcelona play so defensively in their 1-0 win against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey on Thursday evening.

Eder Militao’s first-half own goal sealed the victory for Barcelona in the first leg of their semi final at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Madrid, meanwhile, failed to register a shot on target as Barcelona produced an impressive defensive display against the Spanish champions.

And Ancelotti feels Barcelona’s performance moved away from their usual attacking style.

‘It’s been a bit strange to see them [Barcelona] play like this,’ Ancelotti said of Barcelona after Madrid’s defeat.

‘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.’

When asked if he felt Barca deserved to beat Madrid, Ancelotti replied: ‘No, it’s pretty obvious.

‘There have hardly been any occasions. I think it’s been one of our best games defensively all season.’

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