It’s time for the fifth El Clasico of the season as Barcelona and Madrid face off for a place in the Copa del Rey final. The Blaugrana hold a one-goal lead in this two-legged tie as the Camp Nou hosts its final derby before undergoing a major refurbishment.
A typically boisterous atmosphere is expected in north-eastern Spain then, as the Catalans look to continue their dominance of Los Blancos this season. Xavi has led Barcelona to victory in the last three Clasicos, including in the Supercopa de Espana final – and will very much fancy his chances of more silverware if his side win tonight.
Carlo Ancelotti is seeking what would likely be a successful swansong in his second spell in charge of Real, who suffered a late injury blow ahead of this Clasico contest. Follow Barcelona vs Real Madrid LIVE via Standard Sport’s matchday blog!
Live updates
Real Madrid set to lose assistant coach
Amid talk of Carlo Ancelotti departing for the Brazil job in the summer, the coach’s backroom staff is already thinning out.
The Italian’s son and assistant, Davide, is reportedly heading to Switzerland to manage FC Basel.
El Clasico: Countdown to kick-off
Watch the warm-up live via Real Madrid’s social media.
Vinicius Jr out to improve Clasico record
The Brazilian winger is set for another big duel with Ronald Araujo down Real Madrid’s left flank.
In 13 meetings with Barcelona, Vinicius has only managed two goals with an even record of six wins and six defeats.
Negreira Case won’t impact the team, says Xavi
The ongoing scandal off the field in Barcelona, with the club recently demanding LaLiga president Javier Tebas resign after allegations in the media, will not affect the players.
That is according to Xavi, who said ahead of kick-off: “The squad take no notice of what is being said in the news.
“We only talk about football. Anyone can see that we are playing much better than we did last season, anyone who denies that is just trying to be mean.
“What we want to do is turn that good form into trophies.”
El Clasico throwback: Gareth Bale delivers Copa stunner
El Clasico: Countdown to kick-off
All smiles for Barcelona as they check in at the Camp Nou.
Kick-off in under an hour!
Osasuna await tonight’s winners
A big shock in last night’s other semi-final as Pablo Ibanez struck a beauty in extra-time to send Osasuna past Athletic Club at San Mames.
That booked the Pamplona outfit’s first Copa final since 2005.
Watch the highlights below…
As expected for Barcelona
Raphinha returns on the wing as Xavi loads up his midfield with work horses, moving Gavi into the attack.
Franck Kessie, Sergio Busquets and Sergi Roberto line up in front of the defence with Frenkie de Jong absent.
How Barcelona line up
Barcelona XI: Ter Stegen; Araujo, Kounde, Alonso, Balde; Roberto, Busquets, Kessie; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Gavi.
Subs: Pena, Torres, Alba, Fati, Casado, Garcia, Torre, Tenas, Alarcon, Estanis, Garrido.
El Clasico: Countdown to kick-off
Real Madrid enter the Camp Nou with kick-off in an hour and 15 minutes.
