EL Clasico: Real Madrid vs Barcelona Preview for Copa del Rey

Barcelona visit the Santiago Bernabeu to face Real Madrid in the first El Clasico of 2013 as two of the world's best players Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo square up against each other. Messi, 25, is in brilliant form scoring four past Osasuna in the league and has netted in the last 16 games he has started, while Ronaldo has scored 10 goals including two hat-tricks this month.

Read more at: http://news.oneindia.in/2013/01/30/copa-del-rey-el-clasico-real-madrid-barcelona-preview-1139650.html

Barcelona will look to take a lead when the two sides meet for the return leg at Camp Nou. Away goals will be key for Tito Vilanova's men but Real Madrid will not let their guard down so easily. The Catalans have already taken over the league while Real have a chance to salvage some pride in the Copa Del Rey. Meanwhile, Real Madrid have to deal with injuries and suspensions to key players.

Defenders Sergio Ramos and Fabio Coentrao will miss the classic due to suspension, alongwith Angel di Maria. Center-back Pepe and captain Iker Casillas will miss the clash due to injuries. The Portuguese defender has played a vital role in stopping Lionel Messi bombing down the penatly area.

Probable Lineups: Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Lopez-Essien, Varane, Albiol, Arbeloa-Alonso, Khedira-Higuain, Ozil, Ronaldo-Benzema

Barcelona (4-3-3): Pinto-Alves, Pique, Puyol, Alba-Xavi, Busquets, Fabregas-Pedro, Messi, Iniesta


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