(Football news) Real Madrid and Barcelona will go head to head for a place in the Copa Del Rey final. Barcelona have a 1 goal lead and they are playing the 2nd leg at home. Osasuna have already booked their place in the final with a win against Athletic Club. Both teams come into the game after an emphatic win in the league. Barcelona defeated Elche 4-0 away from home while Real Madrid won 6-0 at the Bernabéu against Real Valladolid. Barcelona have the goal advantage, the home advantage and also their record in this competition is far better than that of Real Madrid.

Barcelona have quite a few absentees as Pedri, Ousmane Dembele, Frenkie de Jong and Andreas Christensen are all unavailable. Raphinha got a rest on the weekend as he was suspended but now he is back and should start instead of Ansu Fati. Sergio Busquets will also come into the midfield in place of Eric Garcia. Real Madrid on the other hand will be without Ferland Mendy while Antonio Rudiger has recovered from his knee discomfort. Nacho is also available having served his suspension on the weekend. Carlo Ancelotti has a lot of tough calls to make regarding the system and the personnel.

Barcelona could come out with an positive intent because the match is at home. However that would be advantageous to Real Madrid as they thrive on counter attacks. If Barcelona do go defensive then Real Madrid will struggle but then Barcelona run the risk of going into a shell before it’s too late. Once again all eyes will be on the battle between Vinicius Jr and Ronald Araujo. One thing is pretty clear that Vinicius will need help as Araujo always has Jules Kounde and a midfielder helping him at all times.

Also read: Bayern Munich suffer shock 2-1 defeat to Freiburg