It looks like more El Clasico clashes will happen this season after Monday’s Copa Del Rey semi-final draws were released. The long-time rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid were paired against each other.

Apart from the fact that both teams have been going head-to-head in La Liga and the fact that Barcelona has created a five-point gap between themselves and Los Blancos on the La Liga table this season, there has been balance in this season’s head-to-head with one win for either side each on the two occasions where both teams have met this season.

In their first meeting this season in October 2022, Karim Benzema, Federico Valverde, and Rodrigo were on target in a 3-0 victory over Barcelona at Santiago Bernabeu. 

At that point, Real Madrid were at the top of La Liga and had momentum on their side, but since then and after the World Cup, Barcelona have been winning in La Liga and even managed to create a five-point gap before beating Carlo Ancelotti’s side in their second meeting in the Supercopa De Espana final in January in Saudi Arabia.

Gavi, Robert Lewandowski, and Pedri were all on target as Barcelona managed to avenge their 3-1 loss in October, similarly in Riyadh.

The Copa Del Rey semi-final fixtures will be in two legs, but the first leg between both sides will happen on February 28 at Santiago Bernabeu before the return leg at Camp Nou in April.

However, before then, Real Madrid and Barcelona will play Liga fixtures, including UEFA Champions League and Europa League matches.

In the other semi-final, Osasuna will face Athletic Club after they got past Sevilla and Valencia, respectively, while Real Madrid and Barcelona beat Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad in their respective quarter-final fixtures.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu