Barcelona will today face off against Real Madrid in the El Clasuco in first leg of the semi-finals of the copa del rey which will be played at Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid are going into the game as the heavy favourites, with Barcelona being on a run of poor form that includes two straight losses and having won just once in their last four. Barcelona will also be missing key players ahead of this game with Robert Lewandowski, Ousmane Dembele, and Pedri all set to miss the game due to different injuries. Andreas Christensen is believed to be carrying a knock as well and might not be fit enough to start.
Real Madrid do not have any injuries in their squad ahead of the game.
Ahead of the game, Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez praised Vinicius Jr., saying “Vinicius makes the difference.” He’s an exceptional player, and he scores goals. He’s a player we have to keep an eye on. “He’s playing at a very high level,” he said.
The second leg will be played at Camp Nou to determine who will play in the final.
