Two El Clasico matches in a week means it's a massive week in Spanish football. The weekend's La Liga clash is of course far more important as Real bid to close the nine-point gap between the two teams. It's a lot closer in the Copa del Rey though as Real Madrid host Barcelona after drawing the away leg 1-1. Real won 2-1 away at Levante on Sunday thanks to a Gareth Bale penalty 12 minutes from time They continue to be inconsistent with four wins and shock defeats by Real Sociedad and Girona this year. Barcelona are undefeated in their last eight games and had a good, but tough 4-2 win at Seville on Saturday with Lionel Messi scoring yet another hat-trick. Only two of their last 16 away games have been lost as they bid to win three trophies this season. Surprisingly this is the first time the two sides have met in the Copa del Rey since the 2013/14 final. Barcelona beat Real 5-1 at home earlier in the season, a similar result is unlikely and of course both teams may play weakened sides. A bet on over 2.5 goals to be scored looks the best bet.
After a run of just one win in five games, Barcelona got a much needed confidence boost in beating a good Sevilla side 4-2, with Lionel Messi working his magic, scoring a sensational hat-trick and providing the assist for Luís Suárez to score a much needed goal. Real Madrid are in good form themselves, winning every game since the first leg, so I expect a cautious approach from both sides, and not many goals in the contest. I can see it going 2-1 either way. Messi continues to post ridiculous numbers at Barcelona and is their main man, so when he is on top form - like at Sevilla - then you'd make Barca favourites to qualify. But if he doesn't show up or Madrid manage to contain him, things will get tougher for the visitors.
It is time for Barcelona to ensure their presence in the Cup final, provided that Real Madrid strikers shouldn't score as many goals as Messi and Suárez. The most dangerous local striker, Vinicius, is an awesome player, fast and skilled, a continuous threat from the left wing, but still misses the clearest goal chances, he is a great player but not a goalscorer yet.
Two El Clasico matches in a week means it's a massive week in Spanish football. The weekend's La Liga clash is of course far more important as Real bid to close the nine-point gap between the two teams. It's a lot closer in the Copa del Rey though as Real Madrid host Barcelona after drawing the away leg 1-1. Real won 2-1 away at Levante on Sunday thanks to a Gareth Bale penalty 12 minutes from time They continue to be inconsistent with four wins and shock defeats by Real Sociedad and Girona this year.
Barcelona are undefeated in their last eight games and had a good, but tough 4-2 win at Seville on Saturday with Lionel Messi scoring yet another hat-trick. Only two of their last 16 away games have been lost as they bid to win three trophies this season. Surprisingly this is the first time the two sides have met in the Copa del Rey since the 2013/14 final. Barcelona beat Real 5-1 at home earlier in the season, a similar result is unlikely and of course both teams may play weakened sides. A bet on over 2.5 goals to be scored looks the best bet.