Ángel Di María Reflects on Real Madrid’s Physical Tactics Against Barcelona

Ángel Di María has shared candid insights into Real Madrid’s approach during their clashes with Barcelona, admitting that physicality was often the only way to compete with the Catalan giants. The Argentine winger, who played for Los Blancos from 2010 to 2014, recalled how Real Madrid employed rough tactics, particularly targeting Lionel Messi, in their attempts to disrupt Barça’s dominance.

Speaking to journalist Juan Pablo Varsky, Di María specifically mentioned the 2010-11 Copa del Rey final at Mestalla, a match remembered for its intensity and aggression.

“The only way to beat that Barcelona was by hitting, scoring, and outrunning them. At times, it turned into a fight on the pitch,” Di María said. “I was often afraid they would injure Messi. I was more worried about him than anything else.”

The winger confessed to fouling Messi during a counterattack, acknowledging the necessity of stopping him to prevent a potential goal.

“I lifted him up and said, ‘Sorry kid, but if I didn’t stop you, they could’ve scored.’ It was just how we had to play – there was no other way.”

The match, which Madrid won 1-0 in extra time, saw Di María eventually sent off for a second yellow card in the 120th minute. Despite the controversial tactics, the victory ended Barcelona’s impressive run in cup competitions and marked one of Madrid’s most hard-fought triumphs.

Di María’s reflections highlight the intense rivalry between the two clubs during that era and the lengths Madrid went to challenge Pep Guardiola’s legendary Barcelona team.