Barcelona have now defeated Real Madrid on three straight occasions. As a result, when the two teams meet again, in a couple of weeks time, in the Copa del Rey semi-finals’ second leg at Camp Nou, one would have to give a heavy advantage to Xavi’s side. They simple look like the better team right now and by some distance at that.
They won the Spanish Super Cup final by a 3-1 scoreline. That was followed 1-0 win at the Santiago Bernabeu in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semis. And the recent 2-1 win at Camp Nou might have put the La Liga title race beyond the grasp of Real Madrid, as they are now 12 points behind with the same number of league games left to be played.
Real Madrid will be hoping to turn things around in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semis at the Camp Nou and make it to the final. If there is one thing that we know about this team, it is that they are at their best when their backs are against the wall.
On the other hand, Barcelona appear to have been handed a double blow for that big match. As reported by Relevo (via Football Espana), neither Pedri not Ousmane Dembele are likely to be fit for the second leg of the Copa del Rey semis at Camp Nou.
Barcelona suffer double blow for match vs Real Madrid
Both Pedri and Dembele are key players for Barcelona. But they have been dealing with injuries for a while.
That has not stopped Barcelona for continuing to win games though, except for a brief slump in form ahead of the first leg of the Copa del Rey. Unfortunately, Real Madrid were not able to take advantage of even that and lost 1-0 in their own backyard.
Despite the double injury, Barcelona will have to considered as favourites for the game. On the other hand, considering Real Madrid’s luck with injuries, it would be a surprise if they go into it with anything close to their strongest squad.