Real Madrid can draw off its Copa del Rey victory and coach Jose Mourinho’s Champions League success over Barcelona when the pair meet in the first leg of the all-Spanish semifinal on Wednesday.
Madrid beat Barcelona for the first time in seven tries to earn its first domestic cup in 18 years.
Last Wednesday’s victory provides momentum and the nine-time European champions are now banking on Mourinho to repeat last year’s achievement when his Inter Milan team knocked the Catalans out to reach the final. The Portuguese coach also came out victorious in two out of three two-legged matches with Barcelona while at Chelsea.
Madrid’s cup win has shifted the momentum in its favor, especially after it routed third-place Valencia 6-3 on Saturday while Barcelona labored past Osasuna 2-0.
While Barcelona is on course for a third straight league title, Madrid cruises into Wednesday’s first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium with more confidence and a more rested team, since Mourinho left most of his regulars on the bench against Valencia.
Madrid is without midfielder Sami Khedira, who has been key in stifling Barcelona’s attack. But forwards Emmanuel Adebayor and Angel Di Maria are expected to be available with the latter leading the attack alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Mesut Oezil.
The drama may not be as high as Barcelona’s defense is depleted and is struggling without a natural left back with Adriano and Maxwell both injured. Eric Abidal’s absence coupled with the doubt over Carles Puyol’s availability means Javier Mascherano or Sergio Busquets is likely to partner Gerard Pique in central defense.
Reports in Barcelona on Tuesday suggested Iniesta may also be a doubt after the Spain international hurt his leg against Osasuna.
David Villa scored for the first time in 12 games on Saturday when Messi became the first Spanish league player to score 50 goals in a season. While the Argentina forward leads the competition with nine goals, he has yet to score at the semifinal stage in three previous tries.
Mourinho’s last four games against Barcelona have been physical affairs with his team finishing each game with 10 men, including last year’s semifinal with Inter.
Another bruising encounter may trouble a Barcelona team that many believe is showing the physical effects of the long season.
“We need to focus on our game – be solid at the back and attack with scoring goals in mind,” Iniesta said. “That’s the only mentality.”
While Barcelona is playing in its fourth straight semifinal, Madrid has beaten its rival twice before at this stage en route to victories in 1960 and its last win in 2002. Madrid returns to the last four for the first time since 2003 with the winner going on to play either Manchester United or German club Shalke.
Wednesday’s meeting is the third of four between the bitter rivals in 18 days. The pair drew 1-1 in the league before Madrid’s 1-0 extra time cup final win.
