Real Madrid will have to considered as slight favourites against Barcelona heading into the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi finals. On one hand, they have the home advantage of playing at Santiago Bernabeu. On the other hand, while their form has not been great, the Catalan giants’ has been worse in recent weeks. They have only won one of their previous four games and are coming into the El Clasico on a two-match losing streak.
At the same time, Barcelona are without multiple key players as well. Robert Lewandowski, Pedri and Ousmane Dembele are all set to miss the game, while the participation of Andreas Christensen is in doubt as well.
Real Madrid are missing key players too, but they have shown an ability to adjust to circumstances, which Barcelona have not till now. As a result, a draw or even a loss by a one-goal margin in the first leg would be considered as a decent result for Xavi’s side.
That is where things get interesting. With so many players missing, bad form and away from home, Barcelona might look to play much more defensively against Real Madrid than they normally do. And that is where Vinicius Junior could prove to be vital.
Real Madrid superstar could be vital against Barcelona at Santiago Bernabeu
If Barcelona do sit back, somebody will need to unlock their defence, which has been the best in Spain by far. In 23 La Liga games, they have conceded 8 goals so far.
As a result, Real Madrid might have a tough task on their hands. One player that can unlock any defence on his day though, is Vinicius.
The Brazilian is dazzling with the ball at his feet, and has added both goals and assists to his game over the past couple of seasons. As a result, Real Madrid might be looking towards Vinicius for a moment of magic or two against Barcelona. The good news is that he has been in pretty good form lately and will hopefully be at his best on the night.