Fabregas defends Real's Copa decision

Barcelona's Cesc Fabregas has expressed his understanding toward Real Madrid's refusal to host the Copa del Rey finals.

The 2011-12 Copa del Rey finals match was slated to be played at the Santiago Bernabeu, home of La Liga giants Real Madrid. However, the club have since pulled out of hosting the Spanish cup final after their elimination from the competition by rivals Barcelona.

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) have revealed that the Los Blancos are not agreeable to the idea of their arch rivals potentially lifting a trophy on their home stadium. Barcelona will play Atletic Bilbao for the trophy at the end of May.

Fabregas, who is certain to feature for Barcelona in that game, believes Real Madrid's decision is understandable.

"I fully understand the position of Real Madrid, nobody would like to see their biggest rival lift a title on their own field." he told Cadena Cope.

With Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola's recent admission that the La Liga title has slipped from the hands of the Los Cules, Fabregas echoed Guardiola's comments, believing that the winning Champions League is a more practical ambition for the club.

"We must be realistic - catching up with Madrid in the league is almost impossible. We must focus on the Copa and the Champions League."