Copa del Rey Semi-finals El Classico: Real Madrid Vs Barcelona

Barcelona are favourites to win the La Liga this season, but their immediate rivals, Real Madrid would like to win other trophies and keep their record straight when they play their semi-final match in the Copa del Rey against Bacelona on January 30 2013. The first leg of the Copa Del Rey to be played at Santiago Bernabeu also marks the first El Classico of the year.

Real Madrid would be missing their captain Iker Casillas, who has broken his hand. But, their main player, Cristiano Ronaldo looks set to showcase his magic and help his team win against the strong line up the Barcelona players. Other players such as Benzema, Ozil, Alonso needs to come up with their A class game, if they are put up a tough fight against Barcelona, who are looking in good touch.

As usual, Messi, Barcelona’s star player would play an important role if Barca are to win the match. He has been the best player for Barcelona scoring goals left and right in each and every outing. But, one also has to give credit to other star players such as Xavi Hernandez, Fabregas, Pedro, Iniesta just to name a few who assists Messi in a number of his goals. The Barcelona attacking line has been tormenting teams with their flair and they would be trying to do the same when they meet Real Madrid as well. Expect the Real Mardid stars to come back hard at them.

But, Mourinho might be an unlucky man as his team, Real Madrid is set to miss some key players along with Casillas for the match- Sergio Ramos, Ángel di María and Fábio Coentrão. But Mourinho in spite of having plenty of depth in their squad might find it difficult to replace such quality players. So, one would not be surprised if Mourinho makes some tactical change in his team. But, Barcelona does not face much problem with their team selection as they are only going to miss Éric Abidal.

The team which turns out victorious after the conclusion of both legs of the semi-final would play the winner of the other semi-final between Sevilla and Atletico Madrid. Sorry to say, this match is going to be overshadowed by the El Classico, which is considered to be the biggest match in Spain.