Real Madrid vs. Barcelona [Copa del Rey Semi Final; 30/01/13; 3:00 PM EST] [R]

Their defense of late has looked more suspect than it has in ages. Holding possession has always obfuscated whatever frailties they have at the back, though recently it's looked much more vulnerable than it usually is when they lose possession that leads to a counter.

 

Pinto: Alves, Piqué, Puyol, Alba; Busquets, Xavi, Cesc; Pedro, Iniesta y Messi

Real Madrid XI: Diego López; Essien, Varane, Carvalho, Arbeloa; Xabi Alonso, Khedira, Özil; Callejón, Cristiano Ronaldo & Benzema

Hmm Essien :-\

So Diego Lopez starts, Essien starts, Ronaldo is captain.

 

Alineación del Real Madrid: D. López, Essien,Varane, Carvalho,Arbeloa, Khedira, Alonso, Callejón, Ozil, Cristiano y Benzema

 

No Marcelo ha. No Modric ha.

 

Happy with Modric not starting, prefer when Ozil is not dumped out on the wing. He's more potent through the centre, both from an attacking and defending perspective.

 

Hopefully we get Villarreal Diego Lopez tonight, and not see the reason why he was a sub at Sevilla.

 

So no defensive mode...interesting.

Surprised Carvalho starts ahead of Albiol. Varane was a given and kind of expected Essen to start at RB and Arbeloa at LB.

 

Pretty simple. He's fat.

He was our 3rd best player last year and the main reason for our slump this year. Dood needs to shape up or ship out.

 

This is what i call a suicide starting eleven.

And obviously Mou is going for counter.... "Special one"...

 

Suspect? Their defense is absolutely garbage. Should be ranked about 15th in La Liga. I'm confident we will score at least 2 and if we sit deep they shouldn't be able to match that.

 

Not gonna lie, our makeshift backline does not instill me with a lot of confidence. But, with that said, I still have a good feeling about this match, and hopefully our offense can be bold, in sync, and carry us like they did in the 2nd leg of the Supercopa. And hopefully this time we finish more of our chances.

Something tells me our boys will be focused, fearless and bloodthirsty today.

 

I'm not sure he can go 90 minutes and he might prove to be a better addition in the second half as a sub maybe for Callejon.

 

This is probably best for you. Might not be a pretty one...

 

Wow, that back 4. Ugh..

 

This one may have a very rough day...

 

Exactly how I see it.

anyway we are unbeaten at home let's do this.. must score plenty of goals.

 

Did any of you watch City v QPR?

Granero was brilliant. He absolutely stuffed City's midfield and was able to hold them scoreless.

 

Considering what we have as a backline? We'll be lucky to draw.

Of course that won't stop the Madrid-bashers from coming out full force if we don't manage a positive result.

 

Just believe dammit!

 

That backline is weak.. that's why we have to take our chances and score goals today.

Not even sure 2 would be enough.

 

The main reason for our slump? You mean being injured and whatnot?

The hate is strong in this one.