Real Madrid vs Barcelona result, highlights and analysis as Xavi ...

Barcelona have secured a key Copa del Rey advantage as Xavi's side won 1-0 in their semifinal first leg away at Real Madrid.

The Catalans are leading Los Blancos by seven points in the La Liga title race, and they take a crucial lead back to Camp Nou for the second leg on April 5.

Both sides struggled for chances on the night, with Real Madrid failing to register a single shot on target, as Barcelona claimed a fortunate first-half breakthrough.

Eder Militao deflected Franck Kessie's saved shot into his own net and Barcelona's new-look defence held firm in the second half.

MORE: Ronaldinho's son joins Barcelona: Who is Joao de Assis Moreira? 

Shot-shy Real Madrid suffer more Copa del Rey misery

Real Madrid looked a shadow of the team that scored five and ripped Liverpool apart at Anfield last month as they failed to even trouble the Barca goal.

There will be no need for panic, given Real Madrid's all-star attack, but Barcelona will take huge motivation from this tie as they try and hold off the defending champions.

A new record, based on no shots on target makes uncomfortable reading for Ancelotti, as the chance to stop Barcelona's double quest takes a major hit.

Los Blancos fans proudly showcase their club's incredible La Liga and Champions League record, but they face a fight to avoid another Copa del Rey failure, having not reached the final since 2014.

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

Xavi's defensive gamble pays off in style in Madrid

Xavi made no secret of his frustration at Barcelona's 1-0 La Liga defeat at Almeria last weekend — describing it as their worst game of the season so far.

A missed chance to increase their title edge, and a lacklustre defensive showing, persuaded the former midfielder to shuffle his options in Madrid.

He opted to change his entire back line with Marcos Alonso handed a converted role at centre-back alongside Ronald Araujo.

Xavi highlighted Vinicius Jr as Real Madrid's dangerman in possession, and deployed Araujo and Jules Kounde on the right side of his defence, to double up, and reduce the Brazilian's threat.

Karim Benzema had an off-night, but Alonso's aerial ability and experience saw him preferred over Andreas Christensen to shackle the Frenchman.

Is there a better defender in the world right now than Ronald Araújo? ✨ pic.twitter.com/QICCUYLjhd

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 2, 2023

Two El Clasicos to decide the season?

Barcelona's season is now solely focused on domestic action after being dumped out of the Europa League by Manchester United in February.

Xavi has built up a healthy edge in La Liga, and they are now favourites to reach the Copa del Rey final —  despite Xavi downplaying the situation — with either Osasuna or Athletic Club on the horizon.

The cliche rings true for Xavi and Barcelona — both titles are theirs to lose from here.

????️????| Xavi: "The one goal lead is an advantage for us, but Real Madrid are still strong, they are still the favorites." #fcblive pic.twitter.com/cUX5Fsl0cX

— BarçaTimes (@BarcaTimes) March 2, 2023

Ancelotti is under pressure, despite an incredible return to Madrid last season, with the demands of the top job at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu as demanding as anywhere in Europe.

Barca host Real Madrid in La Liga action on March 19, before the Copa second leg on April 5, and if they can avoid defeat, Xavi merely has to keep his team on track to secure a first league title since 2019.

MORE: When is Real Madrid vs Barcelona? El Clasico dates for 2022/23 La Liga season and Copa del Rey semifinal

Real Madrid vs Barcelona final score

	1H	2H	Final
Real Madrid	0	0	0
Barcelona	1	0	1

Goals:

• Militao (O.G.) — BAR — 27th min 

Confirmed lineups:

Real Madrid XI (4-3-3): Courtois (GK) — Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Nacho — Modric, Camavinga, Kroos — Valverde, Benzema, Vinicius Jr

Real Madrid subs: Lunin (GK), Lopez (GK), Vazquez, Vallejo, Odriozola, Tchouameni, Ceballos, Hazard, Diaz, Rodriguez, Asensio, Rodrygo

Barcelona XI (4-3-3): Ter Stegen (GK) — Kounde, Araujo, Alonso, Balde — Kessie, Busquets, de Jong — Raphinha, Torres, Gavi

Barcelona subs: Pena (GK), Tenas (GK), Roberto, Christensen, Alba, Garcia, Torre, Alarcon, Fati, Estanis

MORE: When is every El Clasico this season?

Real Madrid vs Barcelona as it happened in Copa del Rey semifinal

FULLTIME: REAL MADRID 0 BARCELONA 1 

It's ALL over in Madrid, and Barcelona have the Copa del Rey advantage ahead of the second leg, thanks to a battling 1-0 win at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.

A bizarre own goal is the difference between the two sides on the night, and Real Madrid will need a comeback win at the Camp Nou to secure a first Copa del Rey final since 2014.

FULL TIME!!!!!!!!!!!! #ELCLÁSICO pic.twitter.com/EsL89Qmo1n

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 2, 2023

90+3 mins: Xavi's antics earn him a booking, and the Spaniard needs to be careful as he is already serving a touchline ban for this weekend's La Liga clas with Valencia.

90 mins: Five minutes added on........and a BIG chance for Rodrygo!!

The Brazilian worked an angle on the edge of the box but Ter Stegen watches it wide of the post.

86 mins: The hero from last weekend is ON for Real Madrid!!

Alvaro Rodriguez scored his first ever Los Blancos goal off the bench to rescue a point against Atletico Madrid, can he save them tonight?

???? 84' | 0-1 | Substitution:

Álvaro ↔️ @lukamodric10 #CopaDelRey | #HankookTire pic.twitter.com/RFUdG5DJSA

— Real Madrid C.F. ???????????????? (@realmadriden) March 2, 2023

83 mins: Barcelona are set to hang on here.....as Real Madrid have offered nothing......but Ancelotti's side LOVE a late goal!!

76 mins: WHAT A CHANCE FOR 2-0!!

Gavi does well to pull a cross back across the box for Kessie, as the pair link up again, but the Ivorian's goal bound strike is blocked by Fati!!

*Video available in US

Kessie nearly made it 2-0 for Barcelona but Ansu Fati couldn't get out of the way ???? pic.twitter.com/JbbyiFxGTw

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 2, 2023

A let off for Real Madrid!!

73 mins: A chance from a corner, but Gavi's header flashes wide, and Aurelien Tchouameni comes on for Toni Kroos.

70 mins: Ancelotti and Xavi make their first changes of the night as the two injury doubts ahead of kickoff enter the fray. Fati replaces Raphinha and Rodrygo comes on for Nacho.

???? 67' | 0-1 | Substitution: @RodrygoGoes ↔️ @nachofi1990#CopaDelRey | #HankookTire pic.twitter.com/RnlnmVUjCH

— Real Madrid C.F. ???????????????? (@realmadriden) March 2, 2023

65 mins: There is a real pattern setting in here now, as Barcelona frustrate Madrid, and the yellow cards mount up, as Kessie catches Carvajal with a stray arm.

60 mins: Some alert defending from Marcos Alonso blocks off Benzema inside the box, and still no attempts on target from the hosts, as we hit the hour mark.

55 mins: Camavinga is the next player to try his luck from distance.........but again, it flies over the top.

Another booking, as Nacho pushes Raphinha over, and the frustration mounts for Real Madrid.

50 mins: A bright start from the hosts to the second period as Ter Stegen is forced to slash away Vini Jr's shot. Gavi picks up a booking as the referee has enough of his constant fouls.

46 mins: WE ARE BACK!!

No changes at the half time interval but can Real Madrid find a response?

HALF TIME: REAL MADRID 0 BARCELONA 1

Barcelona have the edge at half time in unconventional circumstances in Madrid as Militao's strange own goal puts Xavi's side ahead.

HT: Real Madrid 0-1 Barcelona

A cagey first-half sees the club from Catalonia with a narrow one-goal lead... pic.twitter.com/FdkcTNeMBT

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 2, 2023

Los Blancos will look to rally in the second period, but they are yet to register a shot on target tonight, with Barcelona comfortable hitting them on the counter.

45 minutes: Two minutes added on as Raphinha goes into the referee's book for persistent fouling.

40 mins: Another half chance for Real Madrid as Dani Carvajal gambles on a cross to the back post......but his volley is miles over the top......the hosts needed Benzema there!

35 mins: Modric cuts inside and fires wide of the target, as Barca break at the other end, and Gavi drags an effort past the far post........that was a chance for the teenager!!

27 mins: GOALLLLLLLLLLLL - BARCA LEAD

From NOWHERE Barca are 1-0 up.......in BIZARRE style

Franck Kessie burst in behind the Real Madrid defence, but as his poked shot is blocked by Thibaut Courtois, the retreating Militao diverts it into his own net!!!

*Video available in US

FRANK KESSIE OPENS THE SCORING FOR BARCELONA! ???? pic.twitter.com/sdDyDtXg0J

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 2, 2023

A quick VAR check......... for a possible foul by Kessie in the build up.....all clear, and Barca are in front!!!

*Video available in UK

Barça lead at the Bernabéu ????

Franck Kessié's effort ricochets off Éder Militão to put the visitors ahead in the tie.. pic.twitter.com/BhIS45d8J8

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 2, 2023

25 mins: The first yellow card of the night.........it's been coming!!

Frenkie de Jong and Vini Jr's get tangled in some WWE style battling in midfield, but the Brazilian drags the Dutchman down, and picks up a caution.

He is NOT happy about that!

*Video available in US

VINICIUS AND DE JONG GET INTO IT ????

It's getting heated in El Clásico! pic.twitter.com/watjFa8Nig

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 2, 2023

20 mins: Barcelona have weathered that early storm of pressure, with Gavi winning a foul from Eder Militao, to ease the pressure.

15 mins: Karim Benzema has the ball in the back of the Barcelona net, as he nods home Vini Jr's dinked cross, but the Frenchman was narrowly offside.

However, Real Madrid's deadly duo come again, as Benzema forces a corner, and Vini Jr's driven cross is grabbed by Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.

10 mins: A busy start at both ends here in Madrid as Vinicius Jr slaloms past Ronald Araujo, but fires into the side netting, and Nacho does well to recover and deny Raphinha on the counter attack.

1 min: Almost an imediate chance for Los Blancos as Luka Modric races in behind and fires over........but the offside flag is up against the Croatian.

WE ARE OFF!!! - REAL MADRID VS BARCELONA

????⚽️ And the ball is rolling here in Madrid! #ElClásico

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 2, 2023

10 mins from kickoff: How decisive will the Pedri factor be tonight?

Barcelona are without key star Pedri tonight with the La Blaugrana engine room struggling in the the 20-year-old's absence.

Barcelona struggle massively without Pedri ???? pic.twitter.com/eoqTtuKKPv

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 2, 2023

20 mins from kickoff: A record breaking night in store for Sergio Busquets as the Barcelona captain overtakes Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos as the top El Clasico appearance maker of all time.

???? Sergio Busquets will break Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos' El Clasico appearance record tonight.

46 - Sergio Busquets45 - Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos

???? What a servant to one of the greatest derbies in world football. pic.twitter.com/FXwdNnuLv3

— Sporting News Football Club (@sn_footballclub) March 2, 2023

40 mins from kickoff: Barcelona's last Copa del Rey El Clasico meeting with Real Madrid came at the semifinal stage back in 2018/19. A 1-1 first leg draw at the Camp Now had the tie on a knife edge, before Luis Suarez inspired the Catalans to victory in Madrid.

Our last Copa del Rey match vs Real Madrid at Bernabeu #ElClásico pic.twitter.com/yxX31IqG5D

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 2, 2023

1 hr 10 mins from kickoff: Barca team news is IN

Xavi is bold in his changes, following their weekend loss to Almeria, with a completely new defence for the visitors, as Marcos Alonso, Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo and Alejandro Balde all start.

???? BARÇA XI ????#ElClásico pic.twitter.com/16dJa9UaZH

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 2, 2023

However, the big news is Ansu Fati's injury recovery, as the Spanish international makes the bench.

1hr 30 mins from kickoff: Real Madrid strike again with the early team news reveal

Ancelotti is up to his old tricks with early confirmation of his starting XI for tonight's clash with two changes from their 1-1 La Liga derby draw with Atletico Madrid last weekend.

????✅ Our starting ???????? ???? @FCBarcelona! #CopaDelRey pic.twitter.com/KC7uBepbAQ

— Real Madrid C.F. ???????????????? (@realmadriden) March 2, 2023

Luka Modric and Eduardo Camavinga both come into the midfield, alongside Toni Kroos, with Fede Valverde pushed forward, and Marco Asensio and Dani Ceballos dropping to the bench.

2 hrs from kickoff: The stage is set for a crucial night at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu

????️ Santiago Bernabéu⚽ #ElClásico???? #CopaDelRey pic.twitter.com/9JlRwHJ0Ut

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) March 2, 2023

Real Madrid vs Barcelona confirmed lineups

Carlo Ancelotti is still without defensive pair David Alaba and Ferland Mendy with Brazilian international Rodrygo on the bench.

However, the Italian is set to rotate his options, with Luka Modric and Eduardo Camavinga set to start, with Fede Valverde pushing further forward, into attack.

Real Madrid confirmed XI (4-3-3): Courtois (GK) — Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Nacho — Modric, Camavinga, Kroos — Valverde, Benzema, Vinicius Jr

Real Madrid subs: Lunin (GK), Lopez (GK), Vazquez, Vallejo, Odriozola, Tchouameni, Ceballos, Hazard, Diaz, Rodriguez, Asensio, Rodrygo

Xavi's plans have been hit by the absence of star striker Robert Lewandowski due to a hamstring strain, with Pedri, Ousmane Dembele out, but Ansu Fati is fit enough to make the bench.

Barcelona confirmed XI (4-3-3): Ter Stegen (GK) — Kounde, Araujo, Alonso, Balde — Kessie, Busquets, de Jong — Raphinha, Torres, Gavi

Barcelona subs: Pena (GK), Tenas (GK), Roberto, Garcia, Christensen, Alba Torre, Alarcon, Fati, Estanis

Real Madrid vs Barcelona live stream, TV channel

Here's how to watch all of the action from this match in some of the major territories:

	TV channel	Streaming
USA	—	ESPN+
Canada	—	—
UK	BT Sport 1	BT Sport app/site
Australia	—	—
New Zealand	—	—
India	—	—
Hong Kong	—	—
Malaysia	—	—
Singapore	—	—

UK: This game is available for fans in the UK via BT Sport's TV and streaming services

USA: This match streams on the ESPN+ platform for subscribers in both English and Spanish.