Carlo Ancelotti has criticised Barcelona's tactics and claimed that they didn't deserve to beat his Real Madrid side 1-0 in a fiery Copa del Rey semi-final first leg.
An own-goal from Nacho midway through the first half gives Barca a slender advantage over their arch-enemies going into round two, as Xavi's team produced a superb defensive display to grind out a victory. Real Madrid dominated possession in the 102nd edition of El Clasico but failed to register a shot on target in a home game for the first time since 2010.
Xavi's decision to compromise his preferred brand of free-flowing football paid off and left opposite number Ancelotti feeling befuddled. "It's been a bit strange to see them play like this," the Italian boss said of Barcelona's conservative approach. "But they have been very solid, they have a collective commitment and they have closed all the lines very well.
