Is Ronald Araujo playing in Barcelona v Real Madrid Copa del Rey Semifinal Leg 2 clash?

Ronaldo Araujo returned to fitness against Elche on Saturday. According to reports, Ronald Araujo will be available for the match against Real Madrid in the second leg of the Copa Del Ray semi-finals. The defender has been a vital cog in the Blaugrana defence especially when it comes to a match against Real Madrid. In the last few Classicos, Araujo has kept Vinicius Junior at the bay for most of the time.

Despite keeping a clean sheet against Elche, Xavi is expected to make minor changes in his defence during the Copa del Rey semi-final second-leg clash against Real Madrid on Wednesday. According to Spanish news outlet SPORT, Andreas Christensen was ruled out of the game. Marcos Alonso is expected to accompany Joules Kounde in the centre of defence. And Ronald Araujo will return to the right-back spot, as he did in the first leg.

Xavi might be ready to offer continuity to the trio of Alonso, Kounde and Araujo with a bit of shuffling. Especially because whenever played on the right against Madrid, Araujo has gotten the better of Vinicius Jr. Interestingly enough, the first-leg tie at Santiago Bernabeu also saw Alonso partnering with Kounde at the back. Even for that fixture, Christensen was ruled out due to physical discomfort. 

Now, Xavi can also ponder the option of playing his fourth-choice centre-back Eric Garcia, but his recent heroics in midfield against Elche has opened up a possibility of a position change in the future. This leaves Alonso the only viable option for Xavi for this game. Having already played alongside Kounde in the first leg, Alonso is Xavi’s best bet. And the former Chelsea full-back proved his mettle by putting in a strong performance at Santiago Bernabeu.

FC Barcelona will face Real Madrid for the Copa Del Rey Semi Finals Leg two at Camp Nou. The match is scheduled on April 6. Barcelona have a lead of 1-0 against rivals Madrid.

In case you missed: “Have a good body language,” BVB teammate blasts off Jude Bellingham over bad behaviour in clash against Bayern

How might Barcelona line up against eternal rivals Real Madrid in Copa Del Rey Semi Final leg 2: Reports

 FC Barcelona will be keen to continue their recent good form over their El Clasico rivals and advance into the final. Xavi’s side will take a 1-0 advantage into the second leg of their semi-final tie against Real Madrid on Wednesday night. Here’s the starting XI the Barcelona boss could pick for the game:

Marc Andres Ter Stegen has re-emerged as one of Europe’s premier goalkeepers. And his place in the starting XI doesn’t seem to be doubted. He’s been a major factor in Barcelona’s stout defensive record this season.

Ronald Araujo might be seen to start in the Right back position. Although he is a center-back by trade. But he has been quite effective in the right flank. Especially for stopping Vinicius Jr. Jules Kounde and Marcos Alonso could be seen as partners at the heart of Barcelona defence. Kounde typically is a right back but with Araujo in that position, he might just shift towards the center. Alonso has shown his quality in the position during the first leg of this fixture.

Alejandro Balde might be seen on the left flank. He has had quite a season under Xavi’s guidance and has shown sparks of greatness. Another option for Xavi in that position is Jordi Alba. Although Balde has been Xavi’s first choice, Alba’s experience has also come in handy at times. And sometimes Xavi’s seen to deploy both the players where Balde plays more of a left midfielder while Alba sticks to the defence.

As per reports, Sergio Busquets, Sergio Roberto and Pablo Gavi might be starting the game in the middle of the park. Busquets missed the previous match against Elche. He was replaced by Eric Garcia in the squad. Although Garcia did some pretty positive work, Busquets might get the upper hand to start the Classico. He is reportedly the player with the most classico appearance. With Pedri and Frankie De Jong both absent, the spot in the midfield is open. It might be occupied by the last classico winner, Frank Kessie or club veteran Sergi Roberto. As for Gavi, his heroics throughout the season haven’t gone unnoticed. His availability generally makes his place in the line up a certainty. And it seems that might be the case this time as well.

FC Barcelona reportedly might start with the attacking trident of Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Ansu Fati. Raphina has found his form in Barcelona in recent times. He was suspended for the weekend’s game so he’ll be fresh for Real’s visit. Robert Lewandowski is Barcelona’s leading man. He has been in a good form from the start of 2023. He missed the first leg due to a hamstring injury and is yet to score in a Clasico. In the role of the Center Forward, Lewandowski seems to be the obvious choice for Xavi. Although Ansu Fati had a pretty frustrating season so far, he might have just shown a spark of his old self in the weekend’s game against Elche. Xavi might just give Fati a chance to prove himself in a big game like El Classico.

Related News: Copa del Rey Semifinal Leg 2 Real Madrid v Barcelona: Live Stream, Where and How to watch

Cristiano Ronaldo goes past combined goal tally of Thierry Henry and Ronaldo Nazario

Stay Updated!

Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.

Subscribe NOW