The anticipated clash between Real Madrid and Barcelona concluded with an anti-climactic ending due to the way Barcelona earned their one-nil lead, but it also had something to do with how they managed to dominate Los Merengues when they approached their box.
An own goal by Eder Militao ended up being the main difference between these Spanish titans, which followed up a major fail in defense by Real Madrid, who were unable to stop Franck Kessie's run to the box and eventually take a shot at their net. In the rebound, Militao was not capable of getting away from the ball and gave Los Culés an edge they would not lose for the rest of the game.
To make things even more frustrating for Real Madrid, it didn't matter if they were able to have 65% of the game's possession and practically kept Barcelona defending their net for the second half of the match, as Barcelona came closer to scoring a second goal than Los Merengues ever came to scoring.
Added to the ball possession fact, the Spanish capital giants accomplished a never-seen before record in El Clásico, but it will not be one they will brag about.
1 - Since 2010, #RealMadrid failed to make a single shot on target for the first time at home in all competitions, and for the first time this happens in #ElClásico since 2013/14 season. Blank. pic.twitter.com/gv13XNJTyL
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) March 2, 2023
The chance for a rematch will come soon for Real Madrid, as Los Blancos will travel to Camp Nou for their La Liga clash on March 19. Meanwhile, the return leg of this Copa del Rey tie will be held on April 5. Will things change for that clash, or will Los Blaugranas be able to hold on to their narrow lead?
