Real Madrid and Barcelona were slated for a "Clasico matchup" in March, but fans will now get two matches, courtesy of the Copa del Rey semi-finals. When the teams last met in 2012, they battled to a ferocious 2-2 draw that saw Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo score two goals each. There are great deal of matchups that will have a tremendous influence on how Wednesday's tilt plays out, but none will be more essential than the strikers on each team.
Barcelona
Barcelona has the best player in the world playing at his highest level. Messi has now scored in 11 straight Spanish league matches. His 33 goals in just 21 games sets him on pace for 56 goals in the 2012-13 season; in 2011-12 he scored 50 times. He is coming off a four goal match against Osasuna and is in his best form heading into Wednesday's battle. Messi has scored 17 goals in all Clasico matches, one short of tying record holder Alfredo Di Stefano. However, he has never scored on Real Madrid during the Copa del Rey.
After Messi, Barcelona's strikers are an inconsistent group. Pedro and David Villa have only scored five goals this season while Alexis Sánchez has yet to register a single Spanish league goal.
Real Madrid
Cristiano Ronaldo is always ready to do battle with Lionel Messi and his recent performance against Getafe clearly indicated his enthusiasm. Ronaldo broke out for three goals and has increased his seasonal total to 21; he is on pace to put up 36 goals this season. In 2013, Ronaldo has scored 10 goals in all competitions. He has 10 goals against Barcelona in his career, including three during Copa del Rey competitions.
Like Barcelona's supporting cast of strikers, Real Madrid features an inconsistent set as well. Gonzalo Higuain has scored once in his last seven starts for Real Madrid. Karim Benzema has been better with five goals in nine matches but has a tendency to disappear during matches.
Edge: It is even. Messi and Ronaldo are at the top of their games and should make for an entertaining game.
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
