Ace Football previews the Copa del Rey tie between Granada and FC Barcelona, and offers betting tips, odds, line-ups, and team news.
A spot in the Copa del Rey semi-finals is the prize up for grabs as Granada and Barcelona lock horns at the Nuevo Los Carmenes Stadium in a city that has suffered over 1,000 earthquakes since January 23.
Granada booked passage into the last eight by thrashing third-tier side Navalcarnero 6-0 last week. Lionel Messi and Frenkie de Jong goals, on the other hand, sealed Barcelona a 2-1 win over second division side Rayo Vallecano in their most recent Copa del Rey outing.
The visitors head into the quarter-tie as favorites, having thrashed Granada 4-0 in La Liga three weeks ago. Rotations could be made, but the prospect of moving one step closer to silverware, along with their fine run of form, suggests a routine victory is on the cards.
Granada Form & Stats
After narrow 2-1 wins over Cultural Leonesa and Malaga, Granada took things to another level in the last-16. They hammered Navalcarnero 6-0. Six goals from six different goalscorers proved their might and depth in quality. And now in 30-time Copa del Rey winners Barcelona comes their biggest challenge yet.
The Rojiblancos, who have never won the competition, reached the semi-finals last season. An away goal ruling, however, knocked them out after finishing 2-2 on aggregate with Athletic Club in a two-legged tie. It denied them a chance to reach the final for only a second time in history. Therefore, they’ll be determined to go one better this time.
Diego Martinez’s men have struggled for consistency this term, though. They’ve won just one of their last five La Liga games (D2 L2) to cost them valuable ground in the chase for European qualification. And with Atletico Madrid and a Europa League tie with Napoli coming up, the pressure to deliver is on.
Key Team Stats
- Won just 1 of their last 5 league games (D2 L2).
- Lost only 2 of their 11 home league games (W6 D3).
- Got the joint-worst defensive record in the league on 34 conceded goals alongside Real Betis.
- Only reached the Copa del Rey final once in 1958/59.
FC Barcelona Form & Stats
Lionel Messi’s future and contract may dominate headlines, but his performances remain impressive. The Argentine scored his 650th club goal last weekend to steer Barcelona to a 2-1 win over Athletic on Sunday. He has now scored eight goals in as many games across all competitions.
The aim now is to book a semi-final spot in the Copa del Rey as the Blaugrana seek a first trophy under Ronald Koeman. The Dutch coach hasn’t had an easy start, but results have improved recently. Barca have climbed up to second place in La Liga and have won 11 of their last 14 games (D2 L1).
The record 30-time Copa del Rey winners cannot afford to lose on Wednesday. Having suffered a shock defeat in the Spanish Super Cup final, they can’t allow another opportunity for silverware to slip by. Especially as Real and Atletico Madrid are already out of the competition.
Key Team Stats
- Won 11 of their last 14 games across all competitions (D2 L1).
- Won each of their last 8 away games across all competitions.
- Won 13 of their last 15 league games against Granada (L2).
- Lionel Messi has made 10 goal contributions in his last 8 games across all competitions (8 goals, 2 assists).
- Lionel Messi has managed 14 goals and 3 assists in 12 league games against Granada.
- Won the Copa del Rey a record 30 times, but haven’t won the competition since 2017/18.
Team News
Granada
Out: Luis Milla, Maxime Gonalons, Yangel Herrera.
Doubts: N/A.
FC Barcelona
Out: Gerard Pique, Ansu Fati, Philippe Coutinho, Junior Firpo, Matheus Fernandes.
Doubts: N/A.
Predicted Line-ups
(Note: The image will change to the official XI once they’re both announced)
Top Goalscorers in La Liga
Head-To-Head Record (La Liga)
Below are some head-to-head stats on each team’s recent form in the Copa del Rey.
Match Facts
Betting Tips
More Odds
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