1-nil was also the scoreline when Barcelona defeated ten-guy Real Sociedad during the Copa del Rey quarters - Ousmane Dembele's hard work proved decisive that working day - and Xavi's facet have also averted large killings towards Intercity and Ceuta to progress to your semi-finals with the 11th time in thirteen seasons.
Aurelien Tchouameni ought to return into your aspect after he missed the vacation to City via suspension.
Thursday's very first leg will mark the 252nd competitive Clasico concerning Real Madrid and Barcelona, the latter of whom won three-1 in January's Supercopa de Espana remaining, but Los Blancos prevailed by precisely the same scoreline on the Bernabeu again in Oct, and the chances are stacked closely in their favour to glean a first-leg benefit right here.
Ousmane Dembele and Pedri are from rivalry with their own personal thigh difficulties, but on a brighter note, Xavi is hopeful that Ansu Fati's bruised knee will mend in time for the very first leg.
fifth moment: Kounde pressing significant hustled Vinicius away from possession and Barca have the 1st corner with the match.
RW: Rodrygo - Ancelotti immediately realised his error immediately after setting up Rodrygo within the bench in the latest one-one attract. The fast winger came on at half-time and manufactured a favourable impression in the final third.
New signing James Rodriguez is not really anticipated to be concerned so soon, his shift for the club having only been verified the working day before the video game.
This could make for an Excellent tactical struggle in the Bernabeu. Real Madrid will want for revenge once the way past period finished, as being the Champions League and domestic league double was soured marginally by an inexplicable four-0 defeat in your house to Barcelona in March.
The hosts have gained 5 in their last six matches in all competitions. Nonetheless, They are really heading into this fixture to the again of a one-one draw versus Atletico Madrid.
Fermin milked his second in front of the Madrid admirers, just for the hosts to equalise in quick time. All over again Cancelo was culpable as Los Blancos stalwart Lucas caught him napping to crash residence from Vinicius’ cross.
The truth that Barcelona didn't Have a very midweek European fixture really should hand them a benefit, but Real Madrid ended up impressive against Liverpool and will likely have been boosted by their development within the Event.
Barcelona have had to look at Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid win the La Liga title in the last 3 seasons, even so the Catalan outfit are currently inside a commanding placement at the highest of the desk, boasting a nine-place edge above the reigning champions heading into the following El Clasico.
Real Madrid often anticipate to hoover up a host of trophies every single period and might claim their initial in the 2023/24 campaign by beating Barcelona while in the Supercopa de Espana ultimate.
Barcelona had initially been hopeful of having Ousmane Dembele obtainable for this this site match, but it surely has arrive much too before long, Together with the France Intercontinental even now out to the hosts because of a hamstring difficulty.