Barcelona vs Real Madrid: El Clasico sets up Copa del Rey semi-final

Barcelona vs Real Madrid is due today as both the teams meet for the second leg of Copa del Rey semi-final. The clash will witness arch-rivals Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo facing each other. Messi was voted ahead of Ronaldo for the Ballon d’Or award, a result, which was criticised by many sports experts.

The first leg of the match was drawn 1-1 at Bernabeu stadium and the Catalans need a win after their shocking loss to AC Milan in the Champions League round of 16 match. Milan defeated the La Liga leaders 2-0 in the first leg of their Champions League match, a result which surpassed all odds. Barcelona have been nearly unbeatable at home, but off late, results might suggest some problems with the Catalans.

Barca stuttered through their 2-1 win against Sevilla at Camp Nou with Messi scoring the winner for the home side. Talking about the state of the team Messi said, “We need to get back to playing how we were doing before and not think about what happened in Milan or the Sevilla game. We have to pull ourselves together because there are some decisive games coming up.”

Messi added, “The cup and the Champions League are down to us and we aren’t concentrating on the opposition. Physically the team is in good shape and I am used to playing in all the games.” Real Madrid beat Barcelona in the 2011 Copa Del Rey final and would be looking to eliminate the Catalans in the semi-final this time.

El Clasico puts up some of the world’s best talent on display as both the teams have players, who play fast and tackle less. With Real looking to win the second leg and Barca working to cope from their recent performances, who do you think will win?

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