Real Madrid have a golden chance to bring their season back on track when they take on Barcelona at Camp Nou in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi finals. The Catalan giants have a 1-0 aggregate lead, having won the first leg at Santiago Bernabeu. But that is not a scoreline that cannot be overturned.
In fact, this Real Madrid team have a habit of coming from behind to script memorable wins. We saw that on full show several times last season. And hopefully, they can conjure some more heroics at Camp Nou.
Los Blancos have been handed some good news ahead of the game against Barcelona as well. Antonio Rudiger might have missed the match against Real Valladolid but it does not look like his injury is anything to be concerned about.
As reported by Real Madrid’s official website, Carlo Ancelotti said about Rudiger’s situation:
"“He felt better today, he didn’t have any pain. We’ll run tests on him tomorrow, I don’t think it’s a serious issue. He was walking fine today and we’ll assess him after tomorrow’s tests.”"
Real Madrid handed boost before facing Barcelona
Rudiger might have received a lot of criticism earlier on in the season but it must be said that his performances have improved quite a bit over the last few months. Thus, if the German defender is available for selection against Barcelona, then that would have to be considered as a boost for Real Madrid.
On the other hand, the 6-0 win over Real Valladolid at the weekend was the perfect way to get ready for the big match as well. It will be a difficult task to go to Camp Nou and get a result against an in-form Barcelona, but it is nothing that cannot be done, especially if Real Madrid are on top of their games.
Many people have written Real Madrid off already, as they have lost three straight games against Barcelona. But Ancelotti’s side can use their ‘underdog’ status as an advantage as well.