FC Barcelona have also been present in all but one of the last eight finals and will be looking to secure an advantage on Wednesday night ahead of the return match at the Bernabeu later this month.A 6-1 win over Sevilla on January 30 saw Barcelona ease into the semi-finals, but they will enter this match off the back of a 2-2 draw with Valencia at Camp Nou in La Liga.Barcelona have a tough trip to Athletic Bilbao in the league this weekend, before hosting Real Valladolid on February 16. The Spanish champions will then travel to Lyon for the first leg of their last-16 Champions League clash ahead of a trip to Sevilla in the league on February 23.
Real Madrid, Los Blancos have enjoyed incredible European success in recent years, but domestic trophies have been harder to find. As mentioned, they have not won the Copa del Rey since 2014 and have actually only triumphed in the competition on two occasions since 1993, which does seem incredible for a team of their ilk.
In terms of progression to the semi-finals, Solari’s side have overcome Melilla, Leganes and Girona. They scored seven times against Girona in the quarter-finals and will be eyeing a final against either Real Betis or Valencia.After a strong run of recent form, it would be fair to say that the clash in Catalonia will give a good indication of how far the European champions have come in the last few weeks.
Watch stream open: Link
Barcelona starting lineup:
Ter Stegen; Semedo, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; Arthur, Rakitic, Busquets; Coutinho, L Suarez, Messi
Real Madrid starting lineup:
Navas; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Casemiro, Kroos, Modric; Lucas, Benzema, Vinicius
Barcelona vs Real Madrid Prediction
True to their stature and potential, these teams have never disappointed, I repeat, never disappointed when going for each other’s throats. Be it footballing excellence or drama.
Against one another, either is unable to play even a friendly without the intent to destroy. Bet your top dollar that we are going to witness one of the best matches of the season.
