A single-nil was also the scoreline when Barcelona defeated 10-guy Real Sociedad from the Copa del Rey quarters - Ousmane Dembele's work proved decisive that day - and Xavi's side have also prevented big killings in opposition to Intercity and Ceuta to progress on the semi-finals for your 11th time in thirteen seasons.
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55 minutes to kickoff: We've already obtained sights and sounds from the stadium about one particular hour in advance of kickoff at AT&T Stadium.
Carlo Ancelotti's side can ill-afford anymore slip-ups while in the opening months in the season in addition to a resolute Real Betis side are next up. Manuel Pellegrini's Adult males are unbeaten in 2024/twenty five and also have drawn 4 in their previous five conferences with Madrid, including three goalless attracts.
66th minute: Madrid want handball but that is strike Kounde within the belly. Now Barca crack, massive chance for Ferran Torres but he scuffs wide! The offside flag then goes up but that may and could have been limited VAR Check out.
Thibaut Courtois and David Alaba stay wounded as they're not predicted to become back again for a minimum of this tie.
That run of outcomes includes a victory in Oct's Clasico when Jude Bellingham netted a brace – including a 92nd-minute winner – to information his staff to the narrow two-1 victory, representing a next straight get in competitive head-to-head matches versus Barcelona.
The winner of this tie will encounter Osasuna in a positive matchup to the title, so it’s time for Madrid to verify their truly worth and present which they will make a press release against Barcelona, who have experienced their quantity over the past three Clasicos played.
The hosts have received 5 of their final six matches in all competitions. Even so, They're heading into this fixture about the again of the 1-1 draw from Atletico Madrid.
Barcelona may have recent With regards to cup accomplishment in opposition to their bitter website rivals, but Lewandowski's damage has only extra to the insult of recent effects, as well as the loss of Pedri is evidently impacting the Blaugrana movement way too.
The twenty-year-aged is 1 option to deputise for Lewandowski from the Center, but Ferran Torres should get the nod because the variety nine, allowing for Raphinha to return out wide right after his peculiar write-up-Manchester United personal injury - damaging his foot by kicking a fridge away from anger subsequent his substitution.
78th minute: Madrid handle this corner and they're clear of Lunin's extended kick. Vinicius will make mincemeat of Pedri and fees in the direction of aim. Ter Stegen stands up to make a great save.
CM: Aurelien Tchouameni - Tchouameni's absence was pretty notable when he was hurt. Madrid are more settled and dynamic with him inside the group.
Nacho must preserve maintain of his starting off job at remaining-back again, with Federico Valverde showcasing along with Benzema and Vinicius Junior during the entrance a few to the reigning champions.