Real Madrid and Barcelona will face off in the semi-finals of the 2022–23 Copa del Rey competition, with both teams looking to make a statement and get one step closer to the title. Both teams have had a strong season so far, and the first leg of the semi-final clash is sure to be a fierce battle between two of the biggest clubs in the world.
Photo credit: FC Barcelona
Barcelona currently sit atop the La Liga table and are in good form heading into the match. However, they face a few injury issues, with key players such as Pedri, Ousmane Dembele, and Robert Lewandowski all ruled out for the match.
Real Madrid have also had their fair share of injury issues, with star players such as Rodrygo Goes, David Alaba, and Ferland Mendy all ruled out for the match. Additionally, midfielder Luka Modric is suspended after picking up a fifth yellow card against Atletico Madrid.
Given the injury and suspension issues, both teams will have to make some changes to their starting lineups. For Real Madrid, Aurelien Tchouameni is likely to start in midfield, while Nacho Fernandez is likely to fill in at left back. For Barcelona, Sergi Roberto is likely to start in midfield, while Ansu Fati is likely to fill in at centre forward.
Given the teams’ respective forms and injury problems, it is difficult to pick a winner for the match. However, Real Madrid are the slight favourites as they have been in good form and have home advantage. If they can get off to a good start and take an early lead, they will be in a strong position to win the match.
Whichever team wins the first leg will have a strong chance of progressing to the final and winning the competition. With both teams boasting some of the best players in the world, the match is sure to be an entertaining one and one that could go down as one of the greatest matches in the history of the Copa del Rey competition.
Content created and supplied by: Imjohn (via Opera News )
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