Real Madrid right-back Daniel Carvajal and Barcelona coach Xavi were involved in a verbal altercation during Thursday’s (2 March) El Clasico, Spanish outlet Marca reported.<\/p>\n
Eder Militao\u2019s 26th-minute own goal inflicted a 1-0 defeat upon Real Madrid in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final clash with Barcelona on Thursday. As expected, the encounter between two of Spain\u2019s bitterest rivals was fierce, with plenty of rough challenges and verbal exchanges taking place across the pitch.<\/p>\n
Barca boss Xavi<\/a> and Madrid defender Carvajal<\/a> were involved in one such exchange in the second half. As reported by Marca, the incident began shortly after Carvajal\u2019s tackle on Alejandro Balde near Xavi\u2019s technical area. The Barca legend got involved and took a jibe at Carvajal, ironically saying:<\/p>\n “You’re smart.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n According to Marca, Xavi then went on to call Carvajal \u201csilly\u201d a couple of times during the altercation. Gesturing with his hands to keep talking, Xavi reportedly told Carvajal:<\/p>\n “Silly, you’re a fool.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n The Real Madrid stalwart also responded to the Barcelona coach\u2019s insults, but the cameras could not catch his retorts. Referee Munuera Montero eventually intervened and asked Xavi to calm down, showing him a yellow card.<\/p>\n The Blaugrana secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Los Blancos on Thursday to put themselves in an advantageous position in the Copa del Rey semi-final. Although the result went in Barca\u2019s favor, it was Madrid who dominated the proceedings, enjoying 65% of the ball. The Catalans uncharacteristically sat deep and frustrated Madrid by defending in numbers.<\/p>\n In a post-match press conference, Xavi admitted that his team could not do anything of note on the ball, but lauded them for their flawless defending.<\/p>\n \u201cWe played well without the ball, but not with the ball. We didn\u2019t know what to do with the ball,\u201d Xavi said.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n \u201cWe were extraordinary at the back though, and that should be valued. It\u2019s part of the game. I think today we were exceptional and we have to evaluate that positively.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Real Madrid dispatched 13 shots in Thursday\u2019s clash against Barcelona, with none of them landing on target. The Catalans, on the other hand, had two on-target shots off only four attempts.<\/p>\nBarcelona coach Xavi hails his team\u2019s \u201cextraordinary\u201d defensive display in win over Real Madrid<\/h2>\n