Coming up later today is the much-anticipated Copa Del Rey semifinal round, as two giants in world football will be locking horns for a chance to reach the final. Barcelona who are currently topping the table in the la Liga will be hosting their biggest rival in the country for the first part of the Copa Del Rey semifinal, the second part will be taking place at the Santiago Bernabeu few weeks from now.
Barcelona who had a difficult game at home against Valencia in the league will be looking to get back to winning ways and regain their confidence by coming out on top against their biggest rival in the country. Their form this season has been pretty good so far, and they will want to ensure that they get the job done against R. Madrid later today in a competition and fixture that means a lot to the club and to the fans.
Real Madrid had issues at the beginning of the season with lots of very poor results according to their standards, but things are looking like it is getting back in shape for them after the appointment of Solari, as they have now moved to 3rd place in the league, just 8 points behind Barca. R.Madrid are coming from a comfortable win at home against 7th place Alves and a run of 4 straight wins and will be looking to carry their winning streak into one of the biggest games of the season and try to get the job done at the Nou Camp.
On paper, this is an even contest, as both teams are well capable of getting the job done. Barca are in better form this season and are playing at home, but the gravity of the rivalry and the teams involved make this fixture an even contest for both teams.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid
Another very exciting much-awaited fixture, as fans want to witness two strong rivals and two of the biggest teams in world football lock horns in their first Copa Del Rey semifinal encounter this season. This fixture or vice versa is always the biggest rival encounter in world football, and lots of eyes all over the world will be on it.
For Barcelona, they are playing at home which will be a huge advantage for them, playing in front of their fans in one of the biggest games of the season. They are still in fantastic form despite their stumbling block last week and will be going into this game fully confident that they can get past their biggest rival at home if they put in a quality performance. Nevertheless, they know how strong R.Madrid is despite have series of ups and downs at the early part of the season, and how capable they are to win at the Camp Nou like we have seen in the past. So for them, it is all about putting in a 100% performance.
For Real Madrid, they know how difficult this game will be especially playing away against a team that is in great form this season. Nonetheless, they are also in great form recently and will be looking to as well carry their form into this game with the sole aim of coming out of the Camp Nou on top. They know how important this fixture is to the fans and will be going into the game confident they have what it takes to get the job done against their biggest rival. Ever since their goal machine (Ronaldo) left the club, there hasn’t been anyone yet to fill the void, especially for a big game like this, but the possibility of Messi missing this game through injury might be music to the ears of Real Madrid and their fans. Nevertheless, with or without Messi available for the tie, R.madrid know that for them to get the desired result at the Camp Nou, they need to be at their best and play at above 100%.
My Expectations In Terms Of Tactics and Gameplay
For Barcelona, they would most definitely setup in their usual 4-3-3 formation. Looking at reports, it is not certain whether Messi will be fit for the match, but only time will tell. The team is still in a great form so far despite their shocking halt in their last game and will be going into this game with confidence playing at home. For Barca, their gameplan going into this game will be to keep possession of the ball like they are known for, control the match and create goal scoring opportunities. Their gameplay has slightly changed from the tiki-taka style under Pep to a more direct approach with a more solid defence.
For Real Madrid, they will also most likely setup in a 4-3-3 formation. This will be Solari’s first real test as R.Madrid manager this season and he will be looking to prove once again that he is well capable of getting the job done. His gameplan in this game will possibly be to defend very well without giving any space to the Barcelona players, then hutting them through their quick counter-attacks and set pieces when the opportunity comes. They are a very good attacking team and can overcome anyone when they are in the mood.
And that is a wrap…
Who do you think will come out on top?
I would love to read your own opinions… Enjoy your day.
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