Barcelona arrives with several injury concerns, while Real Madrid head into the match with the same doubt-filled mood about the starting lineup. The two giants meet in the Copa del Rey semifinal, a fixture that carries extra weight even if the cup has not always been the primary objective for either side this season. Barça already hold top position in La Liga, and Real Madrid continue to chase continental glory; whoever advances will set up a final against Athletic Bilbao or Osasuna, a reward that resonates with both clubs’ ambitions.
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Before kickoff, head coaches Xavi and Ancelotti face a decision-packed lineup. The Catalan side must cope with several absences, while the Italian coach weighs multiple tactical options, balancing performance and risk as he maps out the strongest XI available.
Barça face key injuries
Xavi must navigate without three regulars who would ordinarily feature prominently: Christensen, Pedri, and Dembele. There are also concerns about Frenkie de Jong, who is troubled by a tight hamstring issue. The likely central pairing appears to be Marc-Andre ter Stegen anchored by a back four featuring Koundé and Balde, with Marcos Alonso perhaps filling in on the opposite flank. In midfield, Busquets and Sergi Roberto are expected to start, while the decision about a partner for De Jong remains unresolved, with options including Kessi. Up front, the attacking trio is projected to be Gavi, Raphinha, and Lewandowski, who would provide the creative spark and finishing threat Barça rely on in big matches.
Real Madrid mull a potential system shift
Real Madrid approach the tie with a trio of selection questions. If Rudiger cannot recover fully from his knock, the defense could see a change, potentially yielding a pairing of Alaba alongside Militao, while a return to a pivot may bring Cavinga back into midfield and possibly Tchouaméni taking that role. The second question centers on formation. Ancelotti could switch from the trusted 4-3-3 to a 4-2-3-1, a setup that would leverage Vinicius, Benzema, and Rodrygo in a more direct attacking line. Modric and Valverde have appeared rested in recent fixtures, hinting at a possible start, and Kroos could be adapted to balance the midfield if the formation shifts. Vinicius and Benzema remain guaranteed presences for the visitors given their recent form and importance to the team’s attacking game plan.
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Similarly, Barça supporters can stay informed with real-time updates via the club’s communications channels, ensuring fans are tuned into every development as the tie unfolds.
LINEUPS OF THE CLASSIC BARCELONA VS. REAL MADRID
Barcelona (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Araujo, Koundé, Marcos Alonso, Balde; Busquets, De Jong/Kessi, Sergi Roberto; Gavi, Raphinha, Lewandowski.
Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger/Alaba, Nacho; Camavinga/Tchouameni, Modric; Valverde, Vinicius, Rodrygo; Benzema.
WHEN AND WHERE IS THE CLASSIC REAL MADRID VS. BARCELONA
THE CALLS FOR THE CLASSIC REAL MADRID VS. BARCELONA
REAL MADRID
At the moment, the official call for El Clasico has not been announced by Real Madrid.
FC BARCELONA
The official call for El Clasico from Barcelona is not yet available.
INJURED AND CREATED FROM THE CLASSIC BARCELONA VS. REAL MADRID
REAL MADRID
FC BARCELONA
SCHEDULE AND WHERE TO SEE LIVE CLASSIC BARCELONA VS. REAL MADRID
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Source: Goal