Real Madrid take on bitter rivals Barcelona in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final.
The third Clasico of the season sees the two giants face in a third different competition having already met in La Liga and the Supercopa de Espana in Saudi Arabia – Los Blancos won 3-1 in the former, with La Blaugrana prevailing by the same scoreline in the latter.
With Barça seven points clear atop La Liga’s table, this could be Real’s only shot at winning Spanish silverware this season (we already know they’re always up for a Champions League triumph).
Real Madrid team news
Carlo Ancelotti will be unable to call on David Alaba, Ferland Mendy and Rodrygo due to muscle problems on Thursday evening.
Aurelien Tchouameni could start in midfield after recently returning from injury.
Luka Modric has picked up a suspension in La Liga after receiving his fifth booking of the season but is eligible to play in the Copa del Rey.
Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Barcelona
Real Madrid predicted lineup (4-3-3): Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Nacho; Tchouameni, Kroos, Modric; Valverde, Benzema, Vinicius.
Barcelona team news
Xavi has a slightly longer list of key injuries to worry about.
After straining his hamstring, Robert Lewandowski will miss much of March. Wingers Ousmane Dembele and Ansu Fati are also out with muscle problems, while Pedri is also a couple of weeks away from returning.
Barcelona predicted lineup vs Real Madrid
Barcelona predicted lineup (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, Christensen, Balde; Busquets, Kessie, De Jong; Raphinha, Torres, Gavi.
