A second half “remontada” in the Copa del Rey round of 16 handed Los Blancos their first victory over Setien and Villarreal this season. The first match, which was in La Liga, ended in a two to one victory to the Yellow Submarines. This time around, both sides will look to extend their winning streak since returning from the international break.
Masterclass at the Spotify Camp Nou
Madrid suffered for large spells of the first half. Barca looked dangerous in possession and defended well as a unit. As Madrid often do, they weathered the storm and punished their opposition minutes before half time. A fluid counter attack from the forward line was finished off by Vini who leveled the tie on aggregate.
A Benzema second half hattrick extended Los Merengues’ lead to four on the night (their biggest Clasico win since 1995).
Carlo and his team will play another final, this time against Osasuna, and have another chance to lift silverware.
Rest players before the Chelsea match?
After an emphatic win and performance against the La Liga leaders, Carlo may opt to give some of his players a rest before Wednesday’s UCL tie.
However, the last thing Madrid need before this match is a defeat or a negative performance. Confidence is evidently high, key players are finding form and most of the manager’s decisions are proving to be effective. They need to keep building momentum, remaining resolute defensively as well as dangerous offensively.
Play most of the potential starters from the beginning and sub them after 60 minutes if the game is in a comfortable state. All things considered, it’s a very important match. Win and you go into the Chelsea game high on confidence. However, lose and the pressure can build which is never a positive.
Setien’s Villarreal
Goals from Nicolas Jackson and Dani Parejo handed Villarreal the victory over Real Sociedad last Sunday. It was a relatively even game with the key difference being Villarreal’s quality in the final third.
They currently sit in sixth position. Only four points off the fourth spot. A win here will do them the world of good and I’m positive that Setien will keep reminding his players of this.
Score Prediction
Real Madrid 3-1 Villarreal
It’s difficult to see Real Madrid dropping points after those two performances. Complacency may kick in but there’s enough experience in the dressing room to guide the younger players through situations like these. Setien and his team will back their ability to come out victorious at the Bernabeu.
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