Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho believes his side can overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit when they take on Barcelona in the Copa del Rey quarter-final on Wednesday, but we sense more disappointment for the Portuguese coach (Barca 8/13, Real 9/2, draw 14/5 – match prices).
Real raced into a 1-0 lead in the first game when Cristiano Ronaldo scored early on before second-half goals from Carles Puyol and Eric Abidal gave Barca their narrow advantage.
The quarter-final is finely balanced then, so it’s likely to be another closely-fought battle between the old foes at the Nou Camp but, with home advantage and a first-leg lead, Barca should have enough to go through.
As is often the case when these two heavyweights go head-to-head, the first leg was overshadowed by fiery clashes on the pitch, with Real defender Pepe the villain on this occasion as he appeared to stamp on Lionel Messi’s hand.
Pepe has insisted it was purely an accident but he can expect a rough reception from the Barca fans – if he is selected for the second leg.
Mourinho has said he is yet to finalise his starting XI amid reports Pepe will be left out, while Lassana Diarra remains a major injury doubt for the visitors ahead of the game.
Following the controversy at the Bernabeu, a spiky Mourinho was coy at his pre-match press conference as to his plans for the second leg but he insists Real can secure a win and progress through to the last four.
“I will not answer [any question related to what team I will pick]. I’m the coach and I do not have to explain what approach I choose publicly,” he said.
“I think my team has a chance to play the semifinals, so we will try our best. But we know against our opponent we lost 2-1 the first time, so there is also a chance we won’t make it.”
There have also been claims that Barca counterpart Pep Guardiola will make changes for the second leg but he is still likely to field big guns Messi, Andres Iniesta, Xavi and co as he aims to guide his side through to the semi-final stage.
Real know they will need to strike early to get back into the game and it’s worth backing Ronaldo to open the scoring again at 11/2 but, overall, another Barca win looks on the cards with a 3-1 home win in the correct score market at 10/1 worth a punt.
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