Barcelona and Real Madrid face off in the third El Clasico meeting of the season. Ancelotti’s side won the first meeting in La Liga, while Barcelona got their revenge in the Spanish Super Cup final, winning by thr same scoreline in Riyadh.
In both fixtures Uruguayan Ronald Aruajo was utilized as right back to great success despite having played regularly in defence under Xavi Hernandez this season. This was done to curtail Vinicius Jr, who Xavi believes is Real Madrid’s most important player.
According to reports Xavi Hernandez is expected to play Araujo at right back once again, and Carlo Ancelotti stated in his pre-match conference that even if that is the case , he will not make any tactical changes involving Vinicius.
“We are not going to change. Of course, Araujo is a very strong defender. He is showing it and it’s going to be an entertaining match up. Hopefully Vinicius can win it”
Real Madrid will face Barcelona in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey today at 8pm. Lewandowski, Pedri and Ousmane Dembele have all been ruled out with injury but Ansu Fati is back. There are doubts over the availability of Christiansen. There isn’t much of an injury concern with Real Madrid. Benzema leads Real Madrid’s squad list against Barcelona as Hazard and Rodrygo in.
Source: Soccanews.com
