Xavi’s Barcelona welcome Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid to Camp Nou for the second leg of the Copa del Rey Semi-Final and will be looking forward to advancing to the Final of the King’s Cup. The Catalans have a one-goal lead over their traditional rivals and have also won the last three matches against the capital side, making them the favorites to come out on top in this tie.
The Blaugranes will expectedly be going into the match with the following line-up:
Potential Line-up:
Goalkeeper: Marc Andre Ter Stegen
The German international will surely be the undisputed starter in this highly anticipated and crucial game and will be looking forward to keeping another clean sheet to ensure the club’s progression to the Final of the King’s Cup.
Right-back: Ronald Araujo
As has been the case for all the Clásicos since Xavi came in, Ronald Araujo will once again be moved to the right-back position to contain Real Madrid’s most potent threat, Vinicius Junior. Araujo has been highly successful in this endeavor in all the previous instances, and Xavi will be looking to keep to the same formula once again.
Centre-back: Jules Kounde
With Araujo occupying the right-back position, Jules Kounde will be able to start the game in his preferred role in the center of the defense. His technical and defensive abilities will be much needed in this match to keep the advantage that Barcelona have over Real Madrid.
Centre-back: Marcos Alonso
Andreas Christensen is still out of running for a starting spot because of his recent injury, and Xavi will be looking towards Marcos Alonso to once again support the defense as he did in the first leg of the Semi-Final.
Left-back: Alejandro Balde
Alejandro Balde will take his rightful position at the left-back for this match, where he has shined and excelled since the start of the season courtesy of his rather electric pace and physicality.
CDM: Sergio Busquets
The Capitan is one of the most experienced players in this Barcelona squad, and his leadership qualities will be needed in this highly tense match. His intelligence on the pitch and exquisite passing will allow Barcelona to take the game to their rivals.
CM: Franck Kessie
With Pedri unfit to start this match against Real Madrid, Franck Kessie will once again be counted upon by Xavi to compound the midfield. He scored the only goal in the first leg of the Semi-Final and will be looking to have a similar impact in this match.
CM: Sergi Roberto
Sergi Roberto will be one of the options that Xavi can put in the midfield for this match. His experience will be valuable in this match, while his recent performances in the midfield have also been encouraging enough to warrant a start in such an important game.
Right-winger: Raphinha
Raphinha has been the club’s most reliable winger in the absence of Ousmane Dembele, and Xavi will be looking towards the Brazilian once again to weave his magic and help Barcelona get a result against Real Madrid. He also did not make an appearance in the last match and thus will be fully rested to go all out against Real Madrid in this tie.
Centre-forward: Robert Lewandowski
Robert Lewandowski, being the most prolific goal scorer and inspiration in attack in the current Barcelona squad, is almost guaranteed to start this match. His experience, intelligence, and skills will all come in handy to beat Los Blancos in this decisive match.
Left-winger: Gavi
Gavi is expected to be deployed in a false left winger role, where his main role will be to support Alejandro Balde, as he runs the flank up and down through the match. The energy and tenacity that Gavi brings make him the best-suited player for such a role.
