Real Madrid will host classic rivals and defending champions Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu in the second leg of the 2018/19 Copa del Rey semi-final on Thursday (28/2). Each team has the same opportunity to qualify for the final.
These two giants both have quality squads. But now there is one big difference between them.
The difference is Lionel Messi.
In the first leg at the Camp Nou, they drew 1-1. Madrid took a quick lead through Lucas Vazquez’s goal from Karim Benzema’s assist in the 6th minute, but Barcelona could equalize through Malcom’s goal on 57 minutes.
At that time, Messi was not fit enough to become a Barcelona starter. The Argentine star just entered the field on 63 minutes. At the Bernabeu later, he will play from the early minutes.
Messi and Barcelona have even heated up the engine by overthrowing hosts Sevilla 4-2 in La Liga last weekend.
Before that, Barcelona had only scored two goals in its last four matches in all competitions. Before that, Messi also only scored one goal in his last four appearances in all competitions. But Barcelona were able to score four goals against Sevilla, where Messi carved out a hat-trick and designed an assist.
It boosted Barcelona’s confidence before the deciding duel at the Bernabeu.
Madrid have tried hard to achieve positive results in the first leg. At home, Madrid must feel optimistic that they can end the four-season domination of the rivals in this competition and ensure the escape to the top party.
Only dear, the Madrid form is less convincing. Last weekend, after previously humiliated by Girona team, Madrid returned to winning ways.
Madrid won 2-1 at Levante home through Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema’s penalty goals. From there the question arises: “if you don’t get two penalty prizes, can Madrid still be able to go home with a win?”
If they are struggling against Girona and Levante, then what would happen if they faced Barcelona and Messi who had just rediscovered his sharpness?
POSSIBILITY OF PLAYERS
Madrid (4-3-3): Navas; Reguilon, Ramos, Varane, Carvajal; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Vinicius, Benzema, Vazquez. Coach: Santiago Solari.
Barcelona (4-3-3): ter Stegen; Alba, Pique, Umtiti, Roberto; Vidal, Busquets, Rakitic; Dembele, Suarez, Messi. Coach: Ernesto Valverde.
SCORE PREDICTION
Madrid always narrowly won 2-1 in their last three matches in all competitions. In the last two games, there were always Madrid players who were sent off by the referee.
When losing 1-2 to entertain Girona, Sergio Ramos was sent off with a second yellow card. When winning 2-1 at home to Levante, Nacho experienced something similar.
If that happens again against Barcelona, Madrid can be in big trouble. They have to make sure they keep playing with 11 people throughout the game if they don’t want their chances broken.
But Barcelona’s victory over Sevilla could be a bad sign for the hosts. Because, in that match, Barcelona and Messi have rediscovered their best performance.
In a situation like this, Barcelona seems to have more chances to win.
Madrid have played impressively in the first leg at Camp Nou. Will Barcelona replace the show at the Bernabeu?
Final score prediction: Real Madrid 1-2 Barcelona.
