Barcelona host Real Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals at the start of a challenging run of games for the Catalans.
The first of three Clasicos within the space of a month is nearly upon us, so the Everything Barca team decided to sit down with The Real Champs, which is the FanSided site dedicated to Real Madrid, to discuss the latest instalment of the major rivalry and see how they are feeling ahead of this clash.
Thoughts on your season so far?
It was a solid start in the first couple of games but then, of course, it got pretty bad. Being 7th at one point was absolutely gut-wrenching but after the poor summer transfer window, expectations weren’t too high. Things with Julen Lopetegui didn’t go to plan at all. While things are getting better we really need to improve both in personnel and tactically.
Has the recent form changed Solari’s reputation?
I think it has for many fans but at the same time don’t think people are properly looking into who we have played. In no way am I trying to discredit the teams we’ve faced but it’s not like we’ve had many challenges. That being said the challenges are coming thick and fast. Irrespective of reputation from fans it’s likely that Santiago Solari will be replaced in the summer allowing Madrid to secure a more permanent solution.
How impressed you have been with Vinicius and do you think he can make an impact in this match?
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I think he has been phenomenal. He has far exceeded my expectations and for that I’m glad. We didn’t think he would be bad by any stretch of the imagination but I’m certain even non-Real fans are impressed by the kid. To be 18 and play at a club of this calibre is just insane. He has carried himself very well both on and off the pitch. I wouldn’t be surprised if he does, he’s lead the Copa Del Rey in assists this season with seven and added two goals. I could ramble on about this kid for quite a while.
Will Karim Benzema be able to break his rut in El Clasico?
Like Vinicius, he’s been in fine form as of late. He’s had a couple of rough patches but has been wonderful since the turn of the calendar year. Karim Benzema has four goals in four matches in the Copa and he’s been more than just a goal scorer. His buildup of play and ability to act as a reference point for the rest of the attack has been wonderful.
Which Real Madrid player will pose the greatest threat to the Barcelona defence?
I have to say Luka Modric, he may not be the flashiest player on the pitch but he gets the job done. His creative ability is one that is hard to predict and get ahead of. A strong dribbling ability coupled with a great shot, it’s hard to keep control of him considering everything else that’s happening on the pitch.
Will Real Madrid be able to secure an away goal in the first leg?
I don’t see why not. It won’t be an easy task considering only two teams have conceded fewer goals than Barcelona in La Liga. That being said this Real Madrid is quite different from what Barcelona has seen in recent years making this a more difficult game to read. With the dips that have happened this season, I think the players have a chip on their shoulder and a goal away will be crucial to winning this tie.
What is your score prediction for both the legs and on aggregate?
This is a bold question to ask and will require an even bigger answer. I think Madrid will pull it off 2-1 in the first leg and 3-2 in the second leg.
If Lionel Messi doesn’t play, which Barcelona player do you fear the most?
Luis Suarez. The Uruguayan has struck form as of late and has a good track record in Clasicos. His nose for controversy is also something to watch out for – if Messi isn’t fit, I expect him to be Barca’s leading man.
Conclusion
Vinicius has obviously been a bright spark in their season which isn’t a surprise considering the level of his performances and Modric is still seen as the key player. Solari is still yet to convince, but they appear to be confident of reaching the final which suggests a bit of overconfidence based on the two team’s respective seasons.