Camp Nou plays host to El Clasico on Wednesday night as Spanish football’s perennial rivals square off in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final.
Barcelona revelled in a 5-1 La Liga thrashing of Real Madrid at the same venue earlier in the season, but the visitors are enjoying a good patch of form lately, winning five on the bounce in all competitions.
Here, we look at how head coach Ernesto Valverde can win the tactical battle with Santiago Solari.
SEMEDO OVER ROBERTO
Nelson Semedo has impressed of late and should get the nod over Sergi Roberto at right-back. The Spaniard is a solid option and his passing ability often sees him instructed to tuck inside and be an extra body in midfield, facilitating Barca’s dominance of possession.
In their current 4-3-3 system though with Lionel Messi drifting into central areas in the final third, Semedo generates the width and thrust down the outside to help stretch defences and offer balance to the attack. The Portuguese’s drive and overlapping runs could give Barca the edge they need to unlock Madrid’s defence.
TER STEGEN AND SUAREZ
Jasper Cillessen would’ve started in this encounter, but his injury means Germany goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is afforded a first Copa del Rey appearance in two years. His inclusion comes with its benefits, particularly in terms of distribution.
The Blaugrana look to pass out from the back and may be faced with a high-press from Real. Ter Stegen’s range of passing helps counter it though, especially with Luis Suarez leading the line.
The Uruguayan can drop into space around the centre circle and Ter Stegen uses him as an out-ball. His touch and link-up play means he can launch an immediate attack should Madrid over-commit in the high-press.
