If the game had been played two weeks ago, it could probably be stated that Barcelona is at least a slight favorite to reach the competition’s final. However, the change in the climate in Madrid, and also in Catalonia, put Real Madrid in a slightly more favorable position before the first meeting of the semi-finals of a massive competition in Spain tonight (11.00 PM EAT) at the Santiago Bernabeu.##EDITORS_CHOICE##First of all, because of the way Carlo Ancelotti’s team won against Liverpool at Anfield (5-2), compensating for the two-goal deficit and briefly solving the issue of qualifying for the quarterfinals. Then they managed – admittedly, with a player more on the pitch – to come back from the deficit in the city derby with Atlético and remain undefeated, thus preserving the chances of defending the title. The clash with the Catalans represents a continuation of the hellish rhythm for the current European champions, because on March 5th they will host Betis, ten days later they are waiting for the Reds, and then they will play the championship El Clasico, at the Nou Camp.The host cannot count on David Alaba and Ferland Mendy. Karim Benzema is healthy, that’s the best news for the Royal Club fans. The attack with Federico Valverde and Vinicius is deadly when the Frenchman is on the field. Ancelotti will not experiment in midfield. They will send the strongest assets, veteran Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos and summer acquisition from Monaco Aurelien Tchouameni. An alternative to the trio is Eduardo Camavinga.Predicted Starting XI v Barcelona -Marca pic.twitter.com/W8dUoo2dbI— Real Madrid Info ³⁵ (@RMadridInfo) March 2, 2023 Barcelona are in trouble not only because of a drop in form, but also because of the absence of Robert Lewandowski, Primera’s top scorer. Ansu Fati is not ready for the whole match, so he will probably wait for his chance from the bench. Barça will not have a classic striker. Gavi and Raphinha will be joined by Ferran Torres, who will play the “false nine”.“You have to give him confidence. I told him that I was one of the culprits for being here. He played one of the best games against Cadiz. He has the ability to make a difference in a big club like Barca. We believe in him,” commented Xavi on Ferran Torres.The former Manchester City player is not shining this season. Scored five goals and had one assist in 30 games in all competitions, but only started in 11. Barcelona’s background factor could be Frank Kessie.The outcome was half-hearted in the previous two clashes between the best Spanish clubs. Real won the match in Primera (3-1), and Xavi’s team retaliated in the Super Cup final, played in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (3-1). Until recently, the Catalans were in a better position, however, behind them is a painful week, in which they were eliminated from the Europa League (defeat against Manchester United with 1-2) and suffered only their second defeat in the league (against Almeria 0-1).Ladies and gentlemen, 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑬𝒍 𝑪𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒄𝒐 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒕𝒔! ⚔️#ElClasico #CopaDelRey #RealMadrid #Barcelona pic.twitter.com/LkZSYQZtb0— Sportskeeda Football (@skworldfootball) March 2, 2023 The previous time in the Copa del Rey they met in February 2019 (1-1 at the Nou Camp), then Barcelona won in Madrid 3-0, reaching the final, although Valencia defeated them. Real won only four of the last ten games in Madrid, and Barca won six derbies. Although, a big blow for the Catalans is that they cannot count on the injured Roberto Lewandowski and Pedri. Frenchman Ousmane Dembele is also out of action for a long time.The experienced Busquets will tonight become the player with the most El Clasicos in history (46). Karim Benzema has five matches less in the biggest duel in the Pyrenees. Busquets’ contract expires at the end of the season, and Xavi insists on him staying at least one more season.Barça’s big asset will be German goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen. He conceded only eight goals in the championship. The Catalans under the command of Xavi no longer play as attacking as they did in the Messi era, now the defense is granite led by Kounde and Christensen as stoppers, while Araujo and Balde will operate on the flanks.▶ Today: Real Madrid 🆚 FC Barcelona (Copa del Rey)▶ 19 March: FC Barcelona 🆚 Real Madrid (La Liga)▶ 5 April: FC BarcelonaR 🆚 Real Madrid (Copa del Rey)Three El Clasico within a span of 34 days. 😍 pic.twitter.com/K5WpnJ3nbN— Troll Football (@UKTrollFootball) March 2, 2023 COPA DEL REYSemi-finalsThursday23:00: (1.95) Real Madrid (3.60) Barcelona (4.20)***odds are subject to change***
