Possible starting lineups:
Barcelona:
Ter Stegen; Semedo, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; Arthur, Rakitic, Busquets; Coutinho, Luis Suarez, Messi
Real Madrid:
Navas; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Casemiro, Kroos, Modric; Lucas, Benzema, Vinicius
The rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid is regarded as one of the biggest on the planet. Madrid and Barcelona are Spain's largest cities and they are sometimes identified with opposing political positions. Real Madrid are viewed as representing Spanish nationalism and Barcelona viewed as representing Catalan nationalism. The two clubs are among the richest and most successful football clubs in the World; in 2014 Forbes ranked them the World's two most valuable sports teams. Both clubs have a global fan base; they are the two most followed sports teams on social media.
As early as the 1930s, Barcelona "had developed a reputation as a symbol of Catalan identity, opposed to the centralising tendencies of Madrid". In 1936, when general Franco started the war against the democratic Second Spanish Republic, the president of Barcelona, Josep Sunyol, member of the Republican Left of Catalonia and Deputy to The Cortes, was arrested and executed without trial by Franco's troops.
Barcelona was on top of the list of organizations to be purged by the National faction, just after communists and anarchists. During the Franco dictatorship, most citizens of Barcelona were in strong opposition to the fascist-like regime. Phil Ball, the author of Morbo: The Story of Spanish Football, says about the match; "they hate each other with an intensity that can truly shock the outsider".
As of 28 October 2018, Barcelona leads in total matches with 113 wins to Real Madrid's 99, while 60 games ended without winner. Counting only Copa del Rey, Barca are more successful with 14 victories, while Real have 12 (plus 7 draws).
Barcelona have eliminated Leonesa, Levante and Sevilla on their way to the semi-final. It is important to be mentioned that Barcelona were not so superior. They have suffered two defeats so far, both away from home. Barca lost 2:1 at Levante and lost 2:0 at Sevilla. However, they were impressive at Camp Nou where managed to score 13 goals on three cup matches. A 6:1 win over Sevilla on January 30 was a real indicator of the attacking power of Lionel Messi and his teammates. Speaking of Messi, he picked up a thigh problem in the latter stages of the weekend La Liga game with Valencia, but should be available to start here. Sergio Busquets, who missed the clash with Valencia through suspension, is available. The presence of Messi and Busquets is a huge boost for coach Valverde. Reserve goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen, Rafinha and Samuel Umtiti are all sidelined due to injuries, while Ousmane Dembele is rated as doubtful.
Real Madrid will visit Camp Nou for the second time this season. They have suffered a heavy 5:1 defeat in October. The former coach Julen Lopetegui was sacked in the meantime and Santiago Solari is now in charge of the club. Copa del Rey represents a chance for silverware as they are out of the title race in La Liga. Barcelona have an 8-point advantage in Primera and I think it's too much. Real have eliminated Melilla, Leganes and Girona in the previous stages of the competition. Los Blancos will enter this game off the back of a 3:0 victory over Alaves during the weekend. Even better, Real Madrid are in series of five victories across all competitions in which they have scored 16 goals. I believe the players confidence is now higher. Solari has no fresh injury worries ahead of this match, meaning he will only be missing Jesus Vallejo. Nevertheless, some changes are expected - Dani Carvajal and Raphael Varane, who both missed the game with Alaves through suspension, should return to the starting eleven here. Keylor Navas could get his usual chance in goal for the cup.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid Prediction:
I expect both teams to score at Camp Nou. Barcelona play at home and they are big favorites. The Blaugrana have humiliated the arch-rivals in October by winning 5:1. Fully motivated again, it is almost impossible to be stopped. I am sure Messi or some of his teammates will score. Real Madrid have improved their form and should not be underestimated. Los Blancos are in series of five victories across all competitions in which they have scored 16 goals. Karim Benzema is in solid form, he has scored 18 goals this season and has netted four times in four cup matches. I expect an efficient match here.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid Pick: Both teams to score - Yes @ 1.53 with Bet365
Barcelona:
Ter Stegen; Semedo, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; Arthur, Rakitic, Busquets; Coutinho, Luis Suarez, Messi
Real Madrid:
Navas; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Casemiro, Kroos, Modric; Lucas, Benzema, Vinicius
The rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid is regarded as one of the biggest on the planet. Madrid and Barcelona are Spain's largest cities and they are sometimes identified with opposing political positions. Real Madrid are viewed as representing Spanish nationalism and Barcelona viewed as representing Catalan nationalism. The two clubs are among the richest and most successful football clubs in the World; in 2014 Forbes ranked them the World's two most valuable sports teams. Both clubs have a global fan base; they are the two most followed sports teams on social media.
As early as the 1930s, Barcelona "had developed a reputation as a symbol of Catalan identity, opposed to the centralising tendencies of Madrid". In 1936, when general Franco started the war against the democratic Second Spanish Republic, the president of Barcelona, Josep Sunyol, member of the Republican Left of Catalonia and Deputy to The Cortes, was arrested and executed without trial by Franco's troops.
Barcelona was on top of the list of organizations to be purged by the National faction, just after communists and anarchists. During the Franco dictatorship, most citizens of Barcelona were in strong opposition to the fascist-like regime. Phil Ball, the author of Morbo: The Story of Spanish Football, says about the match; "they hate each other with an intensity that can truly shock the outsider".
As of 28 October 2018, Barcelona leads in total matches with 113 wins to Real Madrid's 99, while 60 games ended without winner. Counting only Copa del Rey, Barca are more successful with 14 victories, while Real have 12 (plus 7 draws).
Barcelona have eliminated Leonesa, Levante and Sevilla on their way to the semi-final. It is important to be mentioned that Barcelona were not so superior. They have suffered two defeats so far, both away from home. Barca lost 2:1 at Levante and lost 2:0 at Sevilla. However, they were impressive at Camp Nou where managed to score 13 goals on three cup matches. A 6:1 win over Sevilla on January 30 was a real indicator of the attacking power of Lionel Messi and his teammates. Speaking of Messi, he picked up a thigh problem in the latter stages of the weekend La Liga game with Valencia, but should be available to start here. Sergio Busquets, who missed the clash with Valencia through suspension, is available. The presence of Messi and Busquets is a huge boost for coach Valverde. Reserve goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen, Rafinha and Samuel Umtiti are all sidelined due to injuries, while Ousmane Dembele is rated as doubtful.
Real Madrid will visit Camp Nou for the second time this season. They have suffered a heavy 5:1 defeat in October. The former coach Julen Lopetegui was sacked in the meantime and Santiago Solari is now in charge of the club. Copa del Rey represents a chance for silverware as they are out of the title race in La Liga. Barcelona have an 8-point advantage in Primera and I think it's too much. Real have eliminated Melilla, Leganes and Girona in the previous stages of the competition. Los Blancos will enter this game off the back of a 3:0 victory over Alaves during the weekend. Even better, Real Madrid are in series of five victories across all competitions in which they have scored 16 goals. I believe the players confidence is now higher. Solari has no fresh injury worries ahead of this match, meaning he will only be missing Jesus Vallejo. Nevertheless, some changes are expected - Dani Carvajal and Raphael Varane, who both missed the game with Alaves through suspension, should return to the starting eleven here. Keylor Navas could get his usual chance in goal for the cup.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid Prediction:
I expect both teams to score at Camp Nou. Barcelona play at home and they are big favorites. The Blaugrana have humiliated the arch-rivals in October by winning 5:1. Fully motivated again, it is almost impossible to be stopped. I am sure Messi or some of his teammates will score. Real Madrid have improved their form and should not be underestimated. Los Blancos are in series of five victories across all competitions in which they have scored 16 goals. Karim Benzema is in solid form, he has scored 18 goals this season and has netted four times in four cup matches. I expect an efficient match here.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid Pick: Both teams to score - Yes @ 1.53 with Bet365
