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FC Barcelona – Real Madrid
In the next few days it’s really blow by blow and not only in German football the DFB Cup is on the schedule. In Spain, too, the focus is on the Copa del Rey on Wednesday. There, the summit clash between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid will take place at 21:00. Both heavyweights are facing each other for the fifth time this season and Barça won the last three games. Whether the Catalans will also win the second leg in the cup, you can find out in our Barcelona – Real Madrid tip.
Only a few days ago, both teams faced each other in La Liga. Barcelona won by a narrow margin of 2:1 and the lead over the royals from Madrid is already no less than twelve points. The championship title can hardly be taken away from Barça. In the Copa del Rey, the Catalans already have one leg in the final. Barcelona won the first leg in Madrid by a narrow 1:0 margin.
Barcelona – Real Madrid Info:
– Date & Time: 05.04.2023, at 21:00.
– Venue: Spotify Camp Nou, Barcelona
– Competition: Copa del Rey, semi-final second leg.
– TV coverage: DAZN
Barcelona Form & Balance Check
If we take a sober look at FC Barcelona’s season, then the Catalans’ managers can be quite satisfied. Last summer, Laporta & Co. put all their eggs in one basket and bought countless new players. The goal was to knock the big rival from Madrid off its throne and become the number one in Spain again.
With a twelve-point lead over Real Madrid, this goal has already been achieved. In the Copa del Rey, too, the chances of winning the next title are good. On Wednesday, the 1:0 advantage from the first leg only has to be carried over time.
Barça have a clean sheet
One of the reasons why the Catalans are doing so well this season is their defence. The back four and goalkeeper ter Stegen are doing an incredible job and especially the German international is already ensuring a season of records. In 27 games, the Catalans have only conceded nine goals. Ter Stegen has already gone 20 games without conceding a goal this season.
This was also the case last weekend, when Barça won 4-0 against Elche. Looking ahead to the upcoming game against Real, Barça will once again come through their backline. In attack, it should be none other than Robert Lewandowski. The Pole already has 27 goals and seven assists in 34 games this season.
Barcelona facts & analysis
– Currently top of La Liga table
– Only 9 goals conceded
– Second best attack in the league
Real Madrid form & balance check
Real Madrid fans will agree, there is nothing to be gained on national soil this season. Especially in terms of the championship, the train has long since left the station. At the latest after the lost Clásico a fortnight ago, the defence of the title has failed. Real Madrid’s focus in the coming weeks will be on the cup competitions.
In addition to the Copa del Rey semi-final on Wednesday, the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final is also on the agenda. The opponents here are the Blues of Chelsea FC. Real go into the game against the Londoners as clear favourites.
With a win in the Clásico
Compared to last season, the performances this season are so not right – at least as far as the domestic La Liga is concerned. There have only been two wins from the last five games. One of them was last weekend, when Real won 6-0 against Valladolid in front of their own fans. The decisive man on the pitch was once again Karim Benzema.
The Frenchman scored a hat-trick within seven minutes. Nevertheless, the critics again find plenty of fodder in Benzema. The world footballer looks nowhere near as fit and trained as he did in his fabulous season last year. The bottom line is that Benzema simply lacks a second goal scorer in the attack.
Real Madrid facts & analysis
– Last game won 6-0 against Valladolid.
– Best offence in the league
– Already four away defeats in the league
Predicted lineup – last update on April 3, 2023
FC Barcelona will, of course, go into Wednesday night’s match in their classic 4-3-3. Coach Xavi will make changes in several positions. Kounde will replace Christensen in the centre of defence, with Roberto moving to right back. De Jong is out, Kessie will play instead. In attack, Fati gets his chance again. Together with Lewandowski and Raphinha he should provide the goals.
With the exception of Mendy, the opponents from Madrid have no injured players to complain about. Coach Ancelotti will start the match in a 4-3-3. Kroos, Tchouameni and Modric will play in the centre. Valverde, Benzema and Vinicius Jr. are expected to start in attack.
Barcelona – Real Madrid direct comparison & stats
Both teams have faced each other in 253 games so far. Real won 102 games, Barça 100. In addition, there are 51 draws. Barcelona have won each of their last three games.
– FC Barcelona have scored in each of their last 5 matches.
– The average number of goals scored when FC Barcelona and Real Madrid meet is 2.6
– The winner of the last encounter was FC Barcelona
– Winning streak for FC Barcelona stands at 5 matches
