El Clasico rivals meet again as they contest the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final clash, with Real Madrid desperate to get one over the Catalans after struggling to keep up with them in La Liga.

Barcelona, on the other hand, hope to pip los Blancos to the place in the final, and thus show everyone who’s the boss in Spain.

This season is turning out to be quite a disappointment for Real Madrid, although there’s still enough time to make things right.

With the La Liga title race already lost, Jose Mourinho will attempt to win the Champions League and Copa del Rey trophies and thus end his career at Santiago Bernabeu in style.

Reaching the Cup final may be even more difficult than doing the same in Europe, given that Real battle arch rivals Barcelona in the semis, and los Blancos are 2.75 (7/4) with Sportingbet to qualify.

After recovering from an ankle injury that did not prevent him from scoring a hat-trick at the weekend, Cristiano Ronaldo is 1.83 (5/6) at Sportingbet to continue his goalscoring run.

Iker Casillas and Pepe remain on the sidelines, while Sergio Ramos, Angel Di Maria and Fabio Coentrao all miss out through suspension.

Luka Modric has done some individual training, while new signing Diego Lopez could make his debut against Barcelona.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Lopez – Arbeloa, Varane, Albiol, Marcelo – Alonso, Khedira – Callejon, Ozil, Ronaldo – Benzema.

Barcelona are on the way to make this season one of their most successful yet, seeing the Catalans are doing extremely well on all fronts.

Having virtually secured the La Liga title, they can now fully focus on the Copa del Rey tie against Real Madrid, and try to edge closer to the first trophy of the season.

Barca’s road to the semi-finals was no as easy as expected seeing they had to work hard for a win against Malaga, but two late goals in the return leg ensured the Catalans record a 6-4 aggregate win.

In Tito Vilanova’s absence, Jordi Roura has been in charge of the team and he will be in the dugout at Santiago Bernabeu as well.

Barcelona players look very motivated to win at the Bernabeu, with away win paying 2.38 (11/8) at Coral.

After scoring no less than four goals at the weekend, Lionel Messi is 1.75 (3/4) at Sportingbet to score in Madrid.

Apart from Abidal, who has been just discharged from the hospital, Jordi Roura will have fully fit squad to choose from.

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

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