Clasico rivals ready for Copa semi-final
BARCELONA and Real Madrid both welcomed key men back to full fitness as the clubs prepare for Tuesday’s Copa del Rey semi-final second leg at Camp Nou.
The tie is delicately poised after a 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu but Barca, who have Adriano available for selection following a thigh injury, are strong 4-9 favourites with Ladbrokes to qualify for the final and the Catalans are at 7-10 to retain their Copa del Rey title.
Xabi Alonso and Karim Benzema both took part in Real Madrid’s final training session ahead of the second leg. Real Madrid are 7-2 with Ladbrokes to win the Spanish Cup and bet365 make the Whites 2-1 to reach the final.
The teams also meet in the league on Saturday before Real Madrid head to Manchester United on March 5 and Jose Mourinho said he cannot wait for the make-or-break fixtures.
Mourinho said: "They are matches that we all like and that everyone wants to play. I like them. I prefer matches of this magnitude to others where there is nothing at stake. So we are ready to play."