christian buschardt
PREVIEW: Barcelona vs Real Madrid Copa del Rey 2023 - predictions and team news
The Copa Del Rey is one of the most prestigious competitions in Spanish football, as it features the biggest fixture in Spanish football between two giant clubs with a history so rich it takes on the people’s lives. El Clasico.
Preview
Real Madrid are currently sitting in second place in La Liga, a respectable place for one of the biggest european sides. Having dominated 6-0 in Sunday’s game vs Valladolid, the Madridian side are more than prepared for the upcoming second leg of the Copa Del Rey semis. It’s important to note that of these 6 goals scored, 3 cam from Benzema who managed to seal a hat trick in just 7 minutes.
Barcelona on the other side are in first place of La Liga table with a comfortable 12 point lead as Xavi’s side have been an impressive side in recent games. The Catalan team breezed through a 4-0 win over Elche over the weekend as they are also confident about tonight’s matchup. It’s notable to mention that Barcelona came victorious in the first leg of these semi finals (1-0), and will aim to keep that score up.
Head-To-Head
Barcelona are currently unbeaten in their last 5 games in all competitions, with their previous defeat coming at the hand of Almeria earlier this year in February.
Compared to Barcelona, Real Madrid have only won 3 of their last matches in all competitions, drawing once to Real Betis and losing Once to none other than Barcelona.
Barcelona have also won 5 of their last 6 games vs Real Madrid, having lost 3-1 in a La Liga game earlier in October 2022. Having this high of a win rate vs their main rivals will play a big part in tonight’s game as FCB hope to maintain their win streak.
Robert Lewandowski is currently the top goalscorer in La Liga, recording 17 goals in 27 games. Right under him you can find Karim Benzema who currently sits at 14 goals.
Prediction
Barcelona have had a big organisational change for the best since Xavi was appointed head coach, as the Blaugrana aim for the domestic double.
Although they have previously struggled against barcelona, Real Madrid made a statement in their previous 6-0 win for the upcoming second leg of the semis, letting their rivals know they will not let their guard down and do everything in their power to reach the Copa Del Rey final.
Barcelona will suffer from injuries as they will miss Andreas Christiansen, as well as having an unsure Pedri and Frenkie Dejong who will maybe have to sit out the game.
With all that in mind, the game could easily come out as a draw.
Tips:
Result - Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid
Goals over 1.5 - yes