Barcelona v Real Madrid is a match valid for the return leg of the King’s Cup semi-finals and will be played on Wednesday at 21:00: free to air TV, formations, predictions
The fifth Clásico of the season puts a place in the final of the Copa del Rey, where one of Barcelona or Real Madrid will face the surprising Osasuna, who in the other semi-final got the better of the more highly-rated Athletic Bilbao.
Where were we? Ah, yes, Militao’s mocking own goal that decided the first leg at the ‘Bernabeu’ a month ago, giving Barça a not inconsiderable advantage in view of the return match at the Camp Nou, where the blaugrana will be able to count on two results out of three and would go through even if they drew. For Carlo Ancelotti’s team, it is undoubtedly an extremely difficult task, having to win by at least two goals in the ‘den’ of their historical enemy, but when it comes to the Blancos, never say never. The problem, for the Italian coach and his men, is that Barcelona are proving to be a kind of kryptonite this year. After beating them in the first leg, three defeats in a row have come for Real between the Spanish Super Cup, the King’s Cup and the league. The last head-to-head was before the break for national teams. In Catalonia, Xavi’s side were able to react despite going down in the ninth minute after Araujo’s own goal, coming back through Sergi Roberto and former Milan player Kessié, who scored the final 2-1 in added time.
Back from 0-1 down in the first leg
The Catalans’ aim is to take home their third and final domestic title, after having secured their La Liga title. In the championship, they are 12 points ahead of Real Madrid, who seem resigned to surrendering their sceptre as Spanish champions. Which is why Ancelotti’s attention is entirely focused on the Champions League, where in less than a week’s time he will face Chelsea in the quarter-finals.
Ancelotti and Xavi
Both, however, are fresh from resounding victories. Barcelona scrambled 4-0 against bottom-of-the-table Elche, taking home their fourth consecutive victory. Since the unpredictable defeat against Almeria on 26 February, Barça have won them all. Real Madrid also picked themselves up immediately after their setback in the league clash. It did so by thrashing the hapless Real Valladolid (6-0), with Benzema taking the cover with a hat-trick. Since returning from the Club World Cup, the Merengues have never lost, with the exception of the two challenges against the Blaugrana. Ancelotti recovers German centre-back Rudiger for the return match at Camp Nou, although Nacho should still play in the centre of defence, with Alaba again at left-back. In the middle it is a ballot between the two Frenchmen Camavinga and Tchouaméni. On the other side, Xavi must do without de Jong, Dembelé, Christensen and Pedri. Raphinha returns after being suspended: the former Leeds player will take his place in the offensive trident with Lewandowski and Ansu Fati. On the left-hand side of defence more Baldé than Jordi Alba.
The Prediction
For Real Madrid, it is a matter of pride: losing another Clásico would hurt them a lot, also in view of the upcoming fixtures. That is why a reaction is to be expected from the Blancos, who are nevertheless called upon to perform a very complicated task. Barcelona have never lost in the league at home and, above all, they have conceded very few goals. This time Ancelotti’s side should avoid defeat in a match with at least one goal each, but it may not be enough to bring home qualification.
Barcelona v Real Madrid likely line-ups
- BARCELONA (4-3-3): ter Stegen; Araujo, Koundé, Alonso, Baldé; Gavi, Busquets, Kessié; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Ansu Fati.
- REAL MADRID (4-3-3): Courtois; Lucas Vásquez, Militao, Nacho, Alaba; Modric, Tchouaméni, Kroos; Valverde, Benzema, Vinicius.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-1
