LaLiga’s title race is hitting the boiling point, and suddenly the Spanish giants find themselves shifting their focus to the crucial second legs of their respective Copa del Rey semifinal ties.
Both sides are in for a rude midweek shock, considering a place in the final.
As far as LaLiga title strife goes, it’s all getting too much for either club to be entering the highly charged second legs of the Copa del Rey semifinal with reason and possibly some sense by now.
In addition to a ticket for the final, the coming midweek offers tough assignments for both of them on their schedules, with heavy considerations being paid to Real Madrid and Barcelona, who are now trying to juggle so many contests.
There shall be high pressure for both teams since they are vying for one potential treble this season.
Semifinal 1: Real Madrid vs. Real Sociedad
Real Madrid welcomes Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday, April 1, at 9:30 PM local time (19:30 GMT).
As for now, Los Blancos lead 1-0 on aggregate after an initial half-goal from Brazil’s Endrick on the road at Reale Arena, with the caveat that the game was tarnished by racist abuse towards Vinícius Jr. Another episode that highlights everyday issues in Spanish football.
Continuing from their last game after regrouping for international duty, Ancelotti will be seen using the squad’s core members, of course, along with Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo, and Fede Valverde, while the club’s first-choice keeper Thibaut Courtois will be a doubt.
Projected Lineup :
Real Madrid: Lunin; Vazquez, Asensio, Rudiger, F Garcia; Valverde, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius Jr.
Real Sociedad: Remiro; Traore, Zubeldia, Elustondo, Munoz; Sucic, Zubimendi, Marin; Kubo, Oyarzabal, Barrenetxea.
Injuries will count Brais Mendez out for Imanol Alguacil’s side, but forward Ander Barrenetxea rejoins from suspension and gives a big boost to the attack.
Semifinal 2: Atlético Madrid vs Barcelona
Wednesday, April 2, 9:30 PM local time (19:30 GMT), Atlético Madrid vs Barcelona at Metropolitano Stadium.
The grand finale for the first leg in Catalonia remained suspenseful until the last moment, with the teams properly showing their solidarity against each other. Atlético took a deserved 2-goal lead, only to respond with four UNANSWERED GOALS by FC Barcelona.
Subsequent goals by Alexander Sorloth that cemented an equalizer well and truly left the tie-up for grabs.
Expect Diego Simeone to use Argentine striker Julian Alvarez to menace Barcelona’s defense, who happens to be the top scorer in this tournament with five goals.
Projected Starting XI:
Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Lenglet, Azpilicueta; Simeone, Gallagher, Barrios, Lino; Alvarez, Griezmann.
Barcelona: Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Martinez, Balde; Gavi, Pedri; Yamal, de Jong, Raphinha; Lewandowski.
All of Barcelona’s key players may encounter fierce competition in the interim, unless star midfielder Dani Olmo is available. Olmo is expected to be sidelined until the end of April.
Read About: FC Barcelona Stun Atlético Madrid With Thrilling 4-2 Comeback Victory
What’s At Stake?
Any Spanish team would be proud to win the Copa del Rey, and Real Madrid and Barcelona would view it as a first step toward what could be an extended treble that includes La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.
The competition is as old as 1903, and through the years, it has stood to become Spain’s oldest national football championship. Barcelona holds records for most trophies with 31, with Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao following with 20 and 24, respectively.
A new champion can be assured as the current holders, Athletic Bilbao, have already bowed out of the tournament.
When are the Copa del Rey Finals?
The final of the Copa del Rey will be held in the city of Seville on April 26.
An important fight is expected to be fought as the best Spanish clubs will play against one another for the last. Who will win?
A step closer to being crowned the winner of the prestigious trophy? So don’t miss any action!
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