Livescore
Barcelona and Real Madrid will do battle again at the Camp Nou on Wednesday night, this time in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final.
Although Barcelona hold a 1-0 advantage in the tie, Xavi is still insisting that Los Blancos should be considered the favorites to reach the final.
“In a two-legged tie against Real Madrid, it’s always very difficult,” Xavi stated in his press conference on Tuesday.
“When was the last time they lost a two-legged tie?
“That’s why I still think they’re favorites despite the 1-0 scoreline.
“They’re currently Spanish and European champions.”
Xavi also discussed his team’s plan and shared some thoughts on how he thinks Real Madrid will approach the game.
“We’re going to go out to try to dominate the game, but we know that won’t be easy,” the Catalan stated.
“We have faced them a lot and we know them quite well.
“There can always be surprises, but what would surprise me is if they change their general approach.
“They know what they do and they do it well. I think we’ll see an aggressive Real Madrid.
“Remember, in the first leg they were the better team. They’re a very good team, but I think my team is well-prepared.”
Ancelotti gives nothing away:
Meanwhile, in Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti also previewed the match and spoke about the dynamic of this Clasico, with Real Madrid entering it one goal down.
“They have a goal advantage, but we can’t go crazy in search of the goal,” Ancelotti stated.
“You could score in the fifth minute, but then concede two. Or you could score in the 90th minute.
“Our approach will be to have a complete performance, not to score goals. If you have a complete performance, the goals will come.
“Barcelona have won the past three Clasicos. It’s our turn.
“I still think we played well in the last two Clasicos matches, despite the result.”
The Italian was also asked about his approach and whether he’ll change his line-up. While he ruled out a complete overhaul, the kind Xavi also dismissed, Ancelotti didn’t give much more away.
“We won’t change the system, no,” he stated.
“You can surprise the opponent by changing an entire system, but you can surprise yourself too and that might be more dangerous.
“It’s more about tweaking small details.
“We may make changes to the line-up, or we might not.
“Having energy will be important, but so will the experience of the veterans.”
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