Real Madrid

Aitor Karanka appeared for the media after the match against Barcelona. The Real Madrid coach analysed how the match went and praised the job done by his players: "The team really were good, everyone did an amazing job, especially with the absences that we have and with players out of position. We're very happy with the job done by the team".

Varane's goal in the second half gave Real Madrid the equaliser in the first leg of the semi-final of the cup. Karanka praised the French centre back’s match: "Varane, at centre back, could not have done things better. He is 19 and the match that he played was perfect. He got the equaliser, he stopped a certain goal on the line. It will serve him phenomenally well in his progress, he has a good head on his shoulders and will keep improving".

The Whites’ assistant coach spoke about Diego Lopez: "He conveyed calm. He has been playing in the First Division for many years and showed the quality that he has and that the team knows that he has. He is with some of his Spanish teammates and they know the calm that he conveys". When asked why he started in place of Adan, he said: "We had to choose one. The experience and calmness that Diego showed was clear and shows that we did not make a mistake. Antonio is still a great goalkeeper and we have confidence in him and for the remainder of the season we will keep making the best choice for the team".

The draw at the Santiago Bernabeu leaves the tie open, and at the mercy of what happens in a month in the second leg. "The whole team did an amazing job, even with players out of position. Now we have to rest and think about Granada. It is a long time until the second leg and there will be time to prepare", said Karanka, who didn’t want to get into refereeing controversies: "It was an exciting match in every aspect and there is nothing more to say".

When asked if Barcelona relaxed after scoring, he was clear: "There were chances for both sides. We had some when it was 0-0. It might have sold the crowd a little bit short because there were enough chances for more goals to be scored". About the points gap in the league, he said: "What happened today is the same as in the last few seasons, we are very closely matched. In the league, we have dropped a lot of points, but when we play against one another you can see the actual difference".