Real Madrid will welcome an injury-stricken Barcelona side to the Santiago Bernabeu on Thursday for the 102nd El Clasico and first leg of their tantalising Copa del Rey semi-final tie.
The pair of LaLiga giants will put their league campaigns aside to battle it out for the third time already this season, having met in the Spanish Super Cup final two months ago. Enacting revenge after losing the first LaLiga meeting to Real Madrid 3-1 in October, a rejuvenated Barcelona ran out 3-1 winners in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh, marking Xavi Hernandez's first trophy since becoming Barca manager.
Despite boasting a seven-point lead over their arch enemies in the LaLiga title race, it hasn't been plain sailing for Xavi and co since January's triumph. The Blaugrana have been knocked out of the Europa League after a dramatic 2-1 defeat away to Manchester United, while Real have grown in confidence and smashed Liverpool 5-2 at Anfield last Tuesday, scoring five goals without reply.
