Without Ousmane Dembele too, injuries are mounting for Barcelona. Picking up a knock during the international break with the Netherlands, de Jong could miss the match while Pedri is also still sidelined. Storylinesīarcelona: Xavi's biggest concern will be in regard to the fitness of Frenkie de Jong. If an early goal is scored by Barcelona, the tie could essentially be over while Real Madrid will need to come out of the gates strong to avoid another defeat at the hands of their rivals.
Moving into the home leg of things with a lead, Barcelona will be able to choose how they want to attack the match as the defense is good enough to stop Real Madrid. Allowing Real to shoot from areas that benefited Barcelona rather than the other way around, it was a way that Xavi shows his tactical flexibility by ensuring that Barcelona won without needing to dominate possession. Not allowing a single shot on target despite being dominated in possession shows that the backline was in control for the entire match. While the numbers for the first leg between Barcelona and Real Madrid may have suggested a comprehensive victory for Los Blancos, it was a testament to how good Barcelona's defense has become. Real Madrid dominated the chances, but Barca got the win in the first leg.
Here's our storylines, how you can watch the match and more - and while you're at it, sign up for our new newsletter covering the beautiful game in all its glory, including updates about the most important stories in the sport, here. That's not to say that Real Madrid's attack can't break down Barcelona's defense but when they have only scored five goals across four matches while conceding seven, the attack will need to pick up the slack here. Barca have only allowed nine goals in league play. Los Blancos were able to show what they can do ripping off 29 shots in a 6-0 victory over Real Valladolid last weekend, but facing Barcelona is a different type of match as Carlo Ancelotti knows. Already with a healthy lead in La Liga, Xavi can put the team on course for a treble with a victory in the match after already winning the Spanish Super Cup over Real Madrid. This cup semifinal second leg sees the home side with a 1-0 advantage after winning the first leg due to an Eder Militao own goal. The last Copa del Rey finalist will be determined as the last El Clasico for the season takes place at the Camp Nou between Barcelona and Real Madrid Wednesday.
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