Copa del Rey 2018-19: 3 reasons why Real Madrid lost to Barcelona in the semifinals 

2. Marc-André ter Stegen’s goalkeeping

Stegen's goalkeeping kept Barca in the game in the first half.

Barcelona’s secret superstar this season has undoubtedly been their German goalkeeper Ter Stegen and against a rampaging Real Madrid attack, he maintained a cool head and produced some fine saves to keep a clean sheet. In the 24th minute, Jordi Alba failed to clear a cross from Karim Benzema and the ball fell right under the feet of Vinicius Junior.

In the blink of an eye, Ter Stegen showed razor sharp reflexes and spread his left leg wide to deny an easy opportunity for Vinicius. He made another fine save with his leg moments later as Benzema’s decent effort was denied by some world class goalkeeping. His best save came in the second half as he kept out a superb diving header from Sergio Reguilon with a full stretch dive to his left. Barcelona will be hoping that he adds to his tally of clean sheets in the Laliga Clasico at the Bernabeu.