Despite Barcelona beating Real Madrid 1-0 in the Santiago Bernabeu, Xavi still thinks that Real Marid are the favorites
Barcelona managed to defeat Real Madrid 1-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu in the first leg of their Copa del Rey clash, Barca boss Xavi wasn’t entirely convinced by the performance his players put up and still favors Real Madrid to go through.
Xavi wants more possession
An own goal by Eder Militao on a Franck Kessie effort saw Blaugrana victorious in El Clasico but the victory didn’t convince Xavi as them being favorites going into the second leg which takes place on April 5.
“We have a certain advantage,” he told reporters. “Barcelona will have to compete very well [in the second leg at Camp Nou]. We have defended well. The return home, with our fans, is positive. But I still see Real Madrid as favorites.”
Despite being pleased with a win, Xavi didn’t like how much of possession his team gave away (Barca had 35.3% possession).
“I’m not satisfied… It’s not the percentage we’re looking for,” he said.
“The result is very positive. I’m happy with the work, solid defense, we minimized Real Madrid on their field. The game was difficult.
“The victory is tremendous [but] we didn’t know how to keep the ball, it was difficult for us to win duels. We defended well without the ball and fought well without the ball.
“The people are supportive. I am satisfied, but we have to improve in our game with the ball. We cannot give the opponent dominance.
“I am satisfied with the result but not so much for the match.”
