A weakened Barcelona surprised Real Madrid 1-0 during their Copa del Rey's opening round semi-final on Thursday due to Eder Militao's own goal.
The Catalans arrived having just suffered their second loss in a row and without a trio of crucial players due to injury: leading scorer Robert Lewandowski, influential midfielder Pedri, and explosive winger Ousmane Dembele.
Madrid fans sensed blood after being eliminated from the Europa League by Manchester United last week and suffering their first-ever loss to La Liga underdog Almeria, but they left severely disappointed.
After 26 minutes, Militao diverted a rebound into his own goal to break the tie and give Barcelona the advantage in the return match on April 5 at Camp Nou.
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Barcelona played strong defence as the hosts controlled more of the ball but could not generate a shot on goal.
Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti told reporters, "This was the game we wanted to play. Not with this outcome, but it gives us confidence for the second leg.
We should replicate that at Camp Nou since we prevented Barcelona from doing what they pleased.
Ancelotti responded that it was apparent his team deserved more when asked if Barcelona deserved to win.
No, that is clear, we had opportunities, but Madrid played one of their most significant games in pressing hard, continued Ancelotti.
"Their style of play was a little odd at first, but they have learned a lot, and they are a really good defensive squad."
When Andreas Christensen was only deemed fit enough to start on the bench, Barcelona lined up with Marcos Alonso playing centre-back instead of his natural position.
Sergio Busquets beat out former Real Madrid and Barcelona greats Sergio Ramos and Lionel Messi to create a new record with his 46th Clasico participation.
Frustrations in Madrid
Many, including Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez, considered champions Madrid as favourites despite Barcelona's seven-point La League lead over them.
Barca was initially pushed back by Los Blancos, who haven't won the Cup since 2014, after Benzema's goal got denial for offside.
In response to Barcelona's involvement in the "Negreira scandal," in which the Catalan club paid a former refereeing chief for assistance until 2018, a small group of Madrid supporters demonstrated outside the Santiago Bernabeu.
Vinicius argued angrily with the referee, and Madrid might have been preoccupied with the conflict when Barcelona took the lead.
Ferran Torres' goal against the flow of play was made possible by his ability to sneak by Franck Kessie while just before him.
Thibaut Courtois saved the Ivorian midfielder's low drive, but Militao's rebound sent the ball into his net despite Nacho's best efforts to chop it clear.
Although struggling to create opportunities, Madrid players and fans reacted angrily when Barcelona midfielder Gabi got away with slamming into Militao.
Barcelona comfortably maintained its lead until halftime as fans whistled at the referees as they made their way to the tunnel.
The lack of a shot on goal by Carlo Ancelotti's team against a lacklustre Barcelona team may have contributed to some of the home fans' dissatisfaction with the referee.
Madrid was cut off from Benzema and unable to impact the game.
Records for the Copa: As Torres passed the ball back to Kessie with 20 minutes left, Barcelona should have doubled their advantage, but Ansu Fati of his team blocked Kessie's goal-bound attempt.
Despite Barcelona's shortcomings, Madrid could not challenge Ter Stegen in the closing moments as Rodrygo blasted a shot wide.
Although Barcelona had the advantage at home, Madrid had more of the ball.
Although they outplayed us with the ball today, Xavi acknowledged that there are other elements to a game that your opponent can occasionally force upon you.
"Madrid can dominate you; it's difficult to take the ball away from (Toni) Kroos and (Luka) Modric, but defense is an important aspect of the game."
