Madrid: After knocking Real Madrid out of the Copa del Rey, Barcelona now have the opportunity to send their rivals packing in the title race too.
Barca’s 3-0 victory Wednesday means they will return to the Santiago Bernabeu Saturday with a spring in their step, even if Madrid were the better side and had the better opportunities until the chaotic final 30 minutes, when a Luis Suarez double and Raphael Varane own goal gave victory to the Catalans.
“They had more chances in the first half, it’s true,” said Gerard Pique. “But in the second we knew how to get at them. They left more space and in 10 to 15 minutes we scored three goals.”
They should feel confident if recent form between the two sides is any guide. The Copa del Rey win was Barcelona’s fourth in six games at the Bernabeu and in each of those they have scored three or more. This season alone, their aggregate total against Real reads 9-2.
It is in defence where doubts remain. The ease with which Madrid opened Barca up on the counter-attack suggests there is still a vulnerability on the break, which teams in the Champions League will be better placed to exploit.
Midfield has been bypassed too easily all season while neither Nelson Semedo nor Sergi Roberto have really convinced at right back.
There is still time to tighten up and Samuel Umtiti’s return to fitness will be a welcome boost if he can find sharpness before the end of the season. But for those that crave success in the Champions League, more than either La Liga or the Copa del Rey, there is room for improvement.
“We are happy to go through but we have do have to do some things a lot better,” Valverde said.
The Copa del Rey final will see Barcelona face Valencia who beat Real Betis 3-2 on aggregate in the semifinals.
AFP
