Spain Copa del Rey - Semifinals, 2nd Leg (4-5 April)

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[spkutano]

Barcelona vs Real Madrid Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Barcelona:
Ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, Alonso, Balde; Kessie, Busquets, Gavi; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Fati

Real Madrid:
Courtois; Vazquez, Militao, Nacho, Alaba; Kroos, Tchouameni, Modric; Valverde, Benzema, Vinicius Junior

Barcelona and Real Madrid will face for the fifth time this season in the second leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal at Camp Nou. The Catalans are closer to the final as they won 1:0 in the first-leg match at Bernabeu last month. This is a "final before the final" as the winners will be huge favorites against either Osasuna or Athletic Bilbao, teams that play in the other semifinal. As I wrote above, Barcelona managed to beat Real Madrid 1:0 in the first leg. An own goal from Eder Militao decided the winners despite the hosts having more possession and chances.

Barcelona are in solid form at the moment. Xavi's men are in series of five victories across all competitions. During the weekend they beat Elche 4:0 thanks to Robert Lewandowski's brace alongside strikes from Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres. The Blaugrana have a 12-point lead over Real Madrid in La Liga and they are close to secure the title. Xavi has no fresh injury concerns, but four players are struggling with injury - Pedri (hamstring), Ousmane Dembele (hamstring), Frenkie de Jong (hamstring) and Andreas Christensen (calf). On the positive note, Raphinha is back from a ban served in the top flight.

Real Madrid are also in solid form. Of course, not that good as Barcelona, but their three victories in four matches should be respected. Los Blancos suffered a league defeat to Barcelona, while managed to beat Espanyol, Liverpool and Valladolid during the weekend. The last win was impressive, they scored six unanswered goals. Karim Benzema was the player of the match after scoring a hat-trick, while Rodrygo, Marco Asensio and Lucas Vazquez also found the back of the net. Ancelotti has three injury worries, as Antonio Rudiger is rated as doubtful with knee discomfort. Ferland Mendy and Mariano Diaz are out injured, but the latter was never going to start here.

Barcelona vs Real Madrid Prediction:

I expect both teams to score at Camp Nou. Barcelona won 1:0 in the first match at Bernabeu, so Real have no space for calculations. They need victory to remain in the match, so I expect an offensive approach from Ancelotti. Barca play at home, no way they will defend. Simply, that's not part of their philosophy. I expect an open and efficient game.

Barcelona vs Real Madrid Pick: Both teams to score - Yes @ 1.71 with Pinnacle