PRE-MATCH | #LaCopaMola and we’ve been given the gift of a Clásico
Real Madrid and FC Barcelona open their semi-final on Thursday just 46 days after the Supercopa was played in Riyadh.
Revenge is not a straight path, but rather a forest in which it is easy to get lost, unless, however, this spectacular Copa del Rey can pave the way.
Just a month and a half after the final of the Spanish Supercopa, Real Madrid and FC Barcelona will meet again this Thursday in front of a packed Santiago Bernabéu to continue their unique battle.
Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid coach, has pointed out the sporting revenge nature of this game. At the same time,
FC Barcelona coach prefers to mention their win in Riyadh to get a good result in this first match of the last cup play-offs before the match that will determine the champion of the tournament.
Ahead of the Clásico, CA Osasuna wins against Athletic Club in the first leg of the semi-final.
Both teams have had some good news in the last few hours because Rodrygo Goes is back in the Real Madrid team and Ansu Fati in FC Barcelona. They are leading scorers in the competition and could have many chances in this exciting derby.
Sergio Busquets, Barça captain, has played in 46 Madrid-Barça matches, and he will be the player who has played this clash the most times in history. This is the ninth semi-final of a duel that started in 1902, when the competition was first held.
This time, Real Madrid players stand out for their attitude in the second half, as all the goals have been scored after the break, including comebacks in the quarter-finals and last round of 16.
Xavi's team has shown an excellent defensive level in the two previous rounds, conceding no goals and an unbeaten Ter Stegen in this Copa del Rey so far.
Copa del Rey will live a new exciting chapter this Thursday, and we are all invited to join in.