Audio By Carbonatix
Under-pressure Jose Mourinho saw his Real Madrid side come from behind to draw the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final with rivals Barcelona.
Barca took the lead after a goalless first half at the Bernabeu when Lionel Messi played in Cesc Fabregas, who calmly fired past debutant Diego Lopez.
Cristiano Ronaldo then sent a stooping header just wide as the hosts pushed for an equaliser.
The reply finally came when the impressive Raphael Varane headed home.
It was the visitors who had come closest to opening the scoring in the first half when Xavi's free-kick hit the bar after 20 minutes.
He had a second chance after a poor backpass by Ricardo Carvalho, but 19-year-old defender Varane rescued his veteran partner by clearing off the line.
The league leaders deservedly went in front, however, when Fabregas fired home after 50 minutes.
Only a brilliant Gerard Pique tackle denied Ronaldo a leveller, but the goal the hosts sought came with nine minutes remaining through former Lens defender Varane.
The second leg is at the Nou Camp on 27 February.
The other semi-final will be contested between Atletico Madrid and Sevilla.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
2026 World Cup: Baba Rahman, Mumin and Nuamah return as Black Stars name provisional squad
16 minutes -
Bryan Acheampong to donate 50 computers to UniMAC students after AI lecture pledge
23 minutes -
Injured Davies set to miss Canada World Cup opener
24 minutes -
University of Ghana to launch global alumni network app to reconnect graduates
35 minutes -
MTN celebrates Africa Day with renewed push for digital inclusion and youth empowerment
35 minutes -
Mahama’s African Games forensic audit reveals over $40m in financial irregularities
59 minutes -
Russia threatens more Kyiv strikes and tells foreign nationals to leave
1 hour -
I don’t wish NDC well; they’ve become a menace – Miracles Aboagye on NDC internal tensions
1 hour -
Oil prices slide on hopes of US-Iran peace deal
2 hours -
John Mahama receives customized set of golf clubs ahead of 2026 Head of State Invitational Tournament
2 hours -
‘Recent cedi depreciation within reasonable limits compared to historic rates’ — Prof. Asuming
2 hours -
QNET donates football equipment to S-Inkoom Football Academy
2 hours -
NDC likely to witness fiercest internal contest – Miracles Aboagye
3 hours -
Over 300 actors audition for Big Ghun and Doreen Avio’s ‘Scarlett Unveiled’
3 hours -
MTN introduces 0.75% charges on MoMo-to-bank transfers from June 1
3 hours