Following the entertaining 1-1 draw in the first leg of this Copa del Rey semi-final tie, both sides will believe they can pip their arch rivals to the place in the final.

Barcelona certainly did well to virtually secure the La Liga title midway through the league campaign, but the league trophy alone would not be enough to make this season a success.

After the 2-0 defeat at San Siro that could easily see the Catalans drop out of the Champions League, they need to try and ensure their place in the Copa del Rey final or risk ruining everything they’ve worked for in the first part of the season.

Barcelona are indeed in a good position to qualify, so no wonder Ladbrokes has them at 1.44 (4/9) to go through the final, while they are 1.70 (7/10) at William Hill to do so with a win.

Tito Vilanova’s side somehow managed to return to winning ways at the weekend as they came from a goal behind to beat Sevilla, and that was certainly a very important result for the atmosphere in the team.

With five first team regulars set to return after they were rested at the weekend, Barcelona should look even better in the fifth El Clasico of the season.

David Villa and Alexis Sanchez both returned into action against Sevilla, while Adriano Correia remains an injury doubt.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Valdes – Alves, Pique, Puyol, Alba – Xavi, Busquets, Fabregas – Pedro, Messi, Iniesta.

Real Madrid are in even bigger problems than their bitter rivals as it could easily happen that they stay without a single major trophy this season.

Being 16 points behind of Barcelona in La Liga, los Blancos are no longer hoping they can win the league title, while their chances of European success could also go up in smoke.

Following the 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Santiago Bernabeu, Jose Mourinho’s side clearly face an uphill task at Old Trafford.

Taking all this into account, it is perfectly clear the Copa del Rey clash against Barcelona could prove to be the match of the season for Real Madrid, but, at the moment, odds are stacked firmly against them.

Los Merengues are no less than 5.00 (4/1) at SkyBet to triumph at Camp Nou, and 3.00 (2/1) at bet365 to qualify for the final.

Jose Mourinho will have Xabi Alonso and Karim Benzema back from injury, but Sergio Ramos serves the fourth game of his five-match ban and Iker Casillas is out injured.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Lopez – Arbeloa, Varane, Pepe, Coentrao – Alonso, Khedira – Di Maria, Ozil, Ronaldo – Higuain.

Win Tickets to The CL Final at Wembley!

888 are giving you the chance to WIN tickets to the Champions League Final at Wembley!
You could win:
• 2 Tickets to Champions League Final, in London!
• 1 night accommodation in a 4* hotel in London!
• £400 spending money!

The 2nd and 3rd placed finishers will receive FREE BETS of £500 and £250 respectively.

In order to be eligible, you simply have to:
1. Register – to our 5 LIVE promotion before May 12th.
2. Bet – Place a multiple bet of at least £/€/$5.

Register Now