Barcelona will not complete a domestic treble this season, having been comprehensibly knocked out of the Copa del Rey on Wednesday evening by Real Madrid.
The hosts had the better of the play in the first half, but Vinicius Jr’s opener just before the break killed Barcelona, and Karim Benzema adding a second minutes into the second period meant that they never recovered.
Xavi Hernandez admitted that Benzema’s goal was the turning point of the match, as per MD.
“In the first half we were very good. We should have stopped their counter attack for their first goal. The second just after half time killed us. We have to be self-critical and continue.”
Barcelona were without four key first team players in Andreas Christensen, Frenkie De Jong, Pedri and Ousmane Dembele, but Xavi did not want to use their absences as an excuse for the result.
“It would sound like an excuse if we talk about injuries. We competed very well in the first leg and in the first half. I feel proud about that. I already said that Real Madrid were the favourites, they are the recent Champions League winners.”
Barcelona will turn their attention solely towards La Liga, where they are in a commanding position to win their first title in four years.
“It would sound like an excuse if we talk about injuries”
Thats called “talking indirectly” about injuries, but xavi was never known as a bright fella.
Injuries is an excuse but not like that
I am very glad about the results,it is like you have won a trophy already.Keep it up gentlemen.
To be candid, injuries was part of what down us. Imagine 4 team starters out of 11 out come on. I’m sure dembele would have destroyed that camavinga with speed &dribbles. Pedri and FDJ would have controlled that centre of the pack and displace those old hags(modric&kross). Finally christensen would have shutdown rodrygo well. Remember when those missing four played in supercup final, what did FAIL madick collect?
Anyway, the match is over, FAIL Madick have won but barca are still in contention to win la liga. This wouldn’t be a bad season afterall (won supercopa de espana and possibly la liga)