Barcelona will welcome Real Madrid to Camp Nou for the second leg of the Copa del Ray semi-final Classico clash on Wednesday from 19:00 GMT.
Barcelona lead the fixture 1-0 on aggregate after winning in the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu. Real Madrid will be looking for a comeback in their rivals’ backyard on Wednesday.
Barcelona have taken charge of the La Liga title race with 11 matches left to play with their commanding 12-point gap to second-placed Real Madrid. Los Blancos will look at Copa del Rey as an avenue for silverware and focus on winning the two-legged fixture.
On Real Madrid’s minds will be the 2-1 defeat at the same ground two weeks ago.
Key Highlights
Barcelona’s Fine Form in La Liga
Xavi Hernandez and his Blaugrana charges have been in fine form in La Liga as they have strengthened their hold of top-spot as the business end of the season approaches.
They have won their last four consecutive matches in La Liga, opening a 12-point lead over their closest rivals and opponents on Wednesday, Real Madrid. In their last five outings, Xavi’s men have lost just once, picking 12 points out of the available 15.
Barcelona’s fine run of form includes winning the first leg of the Copa del Rey at the Santiago Bernabeu. The 1-0 triumph gave the Blaugrana a 1-0 advantage ahead of the second leg on Wednesday.
The aggregate scoreline disadvantages Real Madrid as they will have to attack and leave themselves vulnerable at the back.
Real Madrid’s Inconsistency
Carlo Ancelotti’s men have been inconsistent in the post-World Cup period, which has made their title charge disappear. They are currently 12 points adrift of the league leaders, Barcelona.
In their last five matches, Real Madrid have won just twice; they have also drawn twice and lost once. They have collected eight points out of the available 15. This run of form has seen Los Blancos lose touch with league leaders.
Their indifferent form has extended to the first leg of the Copa del Rey against Barcelona, which ended in a 1-0 win for the visitors. Ancelotti takes his charges to Barcelona, needing to overcome a 1-0 deficit to make it to the finals.
Most importantly, Ancelotti will focus on turning his side’s form around, starting with Wednesday’s semi-final second leg at Camp Nou.
Injury Report
Barcelona
Xavi will be without right winger Ousmane Dembele (hamstring injury) and central midfielder Pedri (muscle injury).
Barcelona are also missing the services of central midfielder Frenkie de Jon (knee injury) and center-back Andreas Christensen (muscle injury).
Real Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti will be without Ferland Mendy for the trip to the Camo Nou. The 27-year-old lefty-back is sidelined with a muscle injury. He has been out of selection since January 31, 2023.
Possible Lineups
Barcelona
M. ter Stegen; J. Alba, M. Alonso, R. Araujo, J. Kounde; S. Roberto, E. Garcia, Gavi; A. Fati, R. Lewandowski, F. Torres
Real Madrid
T. Courtois; L. Vazquez, E. Militao, D. Alaba, E. Camavinga; T. Kroos, A. Tchouameni; M. Asensio, Rodrygo, V. Junior; K. Benzema
Prediction
Barcelona will play on the front foot, dominating the ball and setting the match’s tempo. They will press from the front and seek to put Real Madrid under pressure.
Madrid will seek to dominate possession and dictate the rhythm of the match. They will seek to control the midfield and launch their attacks from this area of the pitch.
Barcelona are the favorites to win this match and proceed to the final as they keep the hopes of a domestic double alive.
Make sure to be on Barcelona vs Real Madrid with 22Bet!