Barcelona vs Real Madrid: how to watch on TV, stream online | Copa del Rey

Barcelona and Real Madrid, the eternal rivals of Spanish football, head into battle today at Camp Nou in a game that has always had a lot at stake for both clubs, but even more so on this occasion as the winners will book a place in next month’s Copa del Rey final. There, they will meet Osasuna, who defeated Athletic Club in the other semi-final. For the Rojillos it will be just their second stab at the Cup - this will be their second final, after finishing runners-up in 2005.

Few fixtures in the world of football that match the passion and the stakes of El Clásico and there is plenty on the line again. Barcelona have all but wrapped up the league, pulling 12 points clear of Madrid with 11 games left to play. But while Real Madrid have been off the pace in LaLiga this year they retain the aura, confidence and the experience to perform in knock-out competitions. Carlo Ancelotti’s men swept Liverpool aside in the Champions League Last 16 and will be confident of overcoming a one-goal first leg defeat tonight.

When does Barcelona vs Real Madrid start?

The game between Barcelona and Real Madrid starts on Wednesday 5 April, 2023 at the following times:

How to watch Barcelona vs Real Madrid?

Enjoy the best European soccer games via ESPN+ and never miss a minute of the action.

Barcelona vs Real Madrid preview

Barcelona

Xavi Hernández was under pressure to bring silverware to the club this season and is on course to deliver the club’s first LaLiga title since 2018/19. The Catalan club have been unerringly consistent in the league but have struggled in European competition, being eliminated from both the Champions League and then the Europa League.

A Copa del Rey victory would turn this from an impressive season into a real milestone in the club’s history - the possibility of a league and Cup double is simply too good to resist. Barcelona were a disciplined defensive unit in the first leg’s 0-1 win at the Bernabéu and they will need to bring that same fortitude at Camp Nou tonight.

Real Madrid

As is often the case, Real Madrid have been a stark contrast to Barcelona this season. Where Xavi’s men have shown relentless consistency, Madrid have blown hot and cold, suffering problems at the back that have prevented them making a real challenge for the title this year. But with the likes of Karim Benzema, Vinicius Jr, Luka Modric and others Los Blancos are a match for anyone in a one-off tie and will use all of the experience at their disposal. Even when all the odds are stacked against them, Madrid have shown many times that you can never write them off.

Benzema’s form has tailed off from the incredible heights of last season but there are signs that he may be getting into his stride for the final months. He scored in both legs against Liverpool last month and plundered a seven-minute hat trick against Valladolid on Sunday.

Barcelona vs Real Madrid prediction

For the third time in a month the two biggest teams in Spain go head to head, with Real Madrid desperate to avoid losing all three. Barcelona have undoubtedly been the better, more consistent team this year but Madrid’s firepower and big game know-how will make things interesting. The hosts, however, should have enough to progress to the final.

Prediction: Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid (Barcelona progress 2-1)

AS USA stories - Clásico controversies: