Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba has tried to put a positive spin on his side's 3-1 Copa Del Rey defeat to Real Madrid, claiming the defeat will strengthen the Catalans.
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The Spain international's late goal on Wednesday proved nothing more than a consolation, after a Cristiano Ronaldo brace and Raphael Varane header put Los Blancos 3-0 up in the Copa Del Rey semi final tie at the Nou Camp.
But the former Valencia full back was philosophical in his side's disappointment, viewing the defeat as a possible catalyst to saving their Champions League hopes when the Blaugrana take on AC Milan in their last-16 second-leg in two weeks.
"We've given our all and it wasn't to be, this defeat will make us stronger for the Champions League," Alba said.
"These are two key games which we've lost but there's still the return leg against Milan to come which I'm sure will go better.
"If we score an early goal we will have a good chance of getting through, I have a lot of hope.
"The team have shown they can win any tie."
Alba did concede, however, that his side were frustrated at the nature of the defeat to Jose Mourinho's men, being unable to regain any rhythm after going 2-0 down in front of their home fans.
"We're very annoyed, we wanted to get through to the final but the penalty and the second goal caused us a lot of damage," he added.
"We started very well, we've had chances but the penalty really hurt us."
Barca will need to pick themselves up when they travel to the Bernabeu this weekend to take on cup vanquishers Madrid for the second time this week.
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