Real Madrid and FC Barcelona face each other for the third time this season in the first of three more meetings in just over a
The two sides go into the match having each won one of their previous meetings this campaign, with Real Madrid beating Barca 3-1 in La Liga in October before Barca outplayed them in Saudi Arabia to win the Spanish Supercup final 3-1.
The two teams will play again on March 19th in what promises to be a decisive La Liga game before the return leg of the semifinal on April 5th.
The meetings show the changing fortunes of both sides, with Real Madrid winning the first league encounter when they were looking unstoppable before their form dipped either side of the World Cup.
Barca were clearly superior in the Supercup, as they opened an eight-point lead in La Liga, but now Real Madrid again look to be in better form.
Although they were held by Atletico Madrid last weekend in La Liga, Barca lost 1-0 in Almeria, with that result following hot on the heels of their exit from the Europa League a week ago.
Barca's Cup hopes also threaten to be hit by injuries, with Robert Lewandowski suffering a hamstring strain on Sunday, which should keep him out of this tie.
Influential midfielder Pedri and winger Ousmane Dembele are also out, badly affecting Barca's attacking threat, while it remains to be seen if Ansu Fati can shake off a knee problem to travel to the capital.
Real Madrid are missing David Alaba and Ferland Mendy, which means Nacho Fernandez will continue at left back, but Rodrygo should be fit to play after a slight muscle problem.
Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has options in attack and could opt to field Karim Benzema and Vinicius Jr, with Fede Valverde offering an extra man from deep, or he could include Rodrygo in a three-man attack.
Meanwhile, young striker Alvaro Rodriguez opened his account for the club at the weekend to highlight the attacking options that for the moment, Barca are missing.
