Goal selects a combined XI of the two Spanish giants as they prepare to battle it out in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey
La Liga leaders Barcelona will welcome arch-rivals Real Madrid to Camp Nou on Wednesday evening to contest the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final showdown.
The Catalan side have been victorious in the competition in each of the last four years, failing to make the final just once in the last eight seasons.
Real Madrid will be looking to avenge their 5-1 demolition in October that ultimately led to the dismissal of coach Julen Lopetegui.
Both sides are sporting injury issues heading into the match, but it will be no less of an epic display of some of the world's greats facing off with each other at Camp Nou.
Goal has rounded up the best-combined XI of both sides – and there are a fair few surprises in the mix…
GettyGK | Marc-Andre Ter Stegen | Barcelona
Jasper Cillessen would typically have started the match as the Barcelona goalkeeper, but the Netherlands international has been ruled out of the clash with a muscle injury.
Ter Stegen, therefore, will be drafted in for his first Copa del Rey appearance this season and should follow on from his fine La Liga form.
Thibaut Courtois and Keylor Navas have been impressive for Real Madrid, but Ter Stegen has been a different class for the league leaders, and gets a nod in the XI.
AdvertisementGettyDEF | Dani Carvajal | Real MadridHaving to decide on the defence is difficult considering the choices, but Dani Carvajal gets the right-back nod ahead of Barcelona duo Sergi Roberto and Nelson Semedo, who have not been particularly remarkable this season.Getty ImagesDEF | Sergio Ramos | Real Madrid
Ramos has remained a sturdy rock at the heart of the Blancos defence while he has again been a prolific goalscorer this season as well.
He has scored 10 goals this season, equalling his best return in a campaign, and netted a double in the Copa del Rey quarter-final first leg against Girona.
GettyDEF | Gerard Pique | BarcelonaPique has impressed at the back for Barcelona and gets the nod ahead of Raphael Varane in central defence, who has been solid for Real Madrid, but his lack of consistency has cost him his place.