(Football news) It's El Clasico time in the Spanish Super Cup Semi final. The arch rivals will go head to head for a place in the final of the super cup. Barcelona qualified for the competition by winning the Copa del Rey last season while Real Madrid qualified by finishing 2nd in the League last season. 

Team news:

The two Real Madrid who are unavailable are Mariano Diaz and Gareth Bale who are both injured. Dani Carvajal is back in the squad after missing the last few games from an injury. Luka Jovic also returns after receiving from Covid 19. Vinicius Jr and Karim Benzema are in good form after scoring 2 goals each against Valencia. Real Madrid's holy trinity midfield of Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Casemiro should start in midfield. 

Sergino Dest and Ansu Fati have recovered from their injuries. Memphis Depay came back to play 30 minutes in the draw at Granada and could start the game. Ferran Torres and Pedri who were initially not in the squad due to Covid but were later added after testing negative. The main concern for Xavi would be Vinicius Jr. He will have to look at who is the best option to deal with the Brazilian winger. 

Xavi could play 3 at the back just to keep two players constantly at Vinicius. Carlo Ancelotti on the other hand will undoubtedly go for his standard 4-3-3. The key battle will be between Ousmane Dembélé and Ferland Mendy. Dembele with his raw pace and trickery will be up against Mendy's physical strength and explosiveness.

Form-wise Real Madrid are clear favourites but for an occasion like El Clasico the form book goes out of the window. A win for Barcelona would really hurt Real Madrid. This will be Xavi's first El Clasico as a manager and he will be looking for a victory.

Also read: Inter take on Juventus in the Supercoppa Italiana final