Real Madrid, Barcelona to meet in Copa del Rey semis




 

Real Madrid will take on Clasico rivals Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semi-finals while Athletic Bilbao will face Osasuna following Monday's draw.

The reigning Spanish champions will host Barca before visiting the Camp Nou, in the only round of Spain's national knockout competition held over two legs.

Carlo Ancelotti's side reached the last four after overcoming local rivals Atletico Madrid 3-1 in extra time in the quarter-finals, while Barcelona defeated Real Sociedad 1-0.

"It's a huge game, not only for the Copa del Rey, it's a big game across the world," Barcelona's sporting director Jordi Cruyff said in reaction to the draw held near Madrid.

Cruyff said his players had already moved on from their 3-1 win against Real Madrid in this month's Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia.

"We start from zero and it will be a wonderful battle," he added.

Athletic Bilbao -- who have reached the Copa del Rey semi-finals for four seasons running -- gained their place in the final four with a 3-1 victory over Valencia in the last round.

Their opponents Osasuna knocked out Sevilla in the quarter-finals with a 2-1 win after extra time.

Real Madrid's trip to Morocco next week to compete in the FIFA Club World Cup will clash with the usual date for the semi-final first legs and forced a rescheduled calendar.

The first legs will be played on February 28 and March 1, while the return fixtures will be held between April 4 and 6.

Seville's La Cartuja stadium is due to host the final on May 6.

gr/psr/imm/jc

COMMENTS

More Related News

I played with Lionel Messi as a child but being Lilian Thuram
I played with Lionel Messi as a child but being Lilian Thuram's son makes me proud

Khéphren Thuram explains how he became a midfielder. As with most children, it started in the family garden. "My dad was a defender so my [older] brother would be an attacker," he explains. "Then I had to be in the middle, in the midfield. So maybe that's how me and my brother got our positions and it was really, really competitive. But they were nice moments, the three of us playing even if I finished a lot of times crying because I lost against my brother! Not that my dad ever let us win eithe

Next Tottenham manager: The men who could replace Antonio Conte
Next Tottenham manager: The men who could replace Antonio Conte

Antonio Conte's time at Tottenham Hotspur is expected to come to an end later this week.

Chelsea and Arsenal looking to end English drought in Women
Chelsea and Arsenal looking to end English drought in Women's Champions League

The Women's Champions League knockout stage gets underway this week with Chelsea and Arsenal both hoping to become the first English team to lift the trophy since the Gunners in 2007.Chelsea and Arsenal showcased the increasing strength of the English Women's Super League as they romped to top spot in their respective groups this season, with the Gunners notably thumping reigning European champions Lyon 5-1 away in France.

Roglic beats Evenepoel in Tour of Catalunya opener
Roglic beats Evenepoel in Tour of Catalunya opener

Primoz Roglic won the opening stage of the Tour of Catalunya on Monday, a hilly 164km  run beginning and ending in the seaside town of Sant Feliu de Guixols on the Costa Brava.Ineos rider and former Tour de France champion Egan Bernal finished 20sec down.

Ramsey backs Wales to prosper in post-Bale era
Ramsey backs Wales to prosper in post-Bale era

Aaron Ramsey believes a new generation of Wales players can forge their own success after Gareth Bale's retirement.Wales are hoping to make a third successive appearance at the European Championship in Germany next year.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked with *

Cancel reply

Comments

Top News: Soccer