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FC Barcelona will take on Real Madrid in the semi finals of the Copa Del Rey at the Camp Nou tonight in another epic fixture in world football. Real Madrid is currently 3rd in the La Liga table, 8 points behind league leaders Barcelona but they will focus on the Copa Del Rey with all their might. It is one of the trophies they will be keen to win this season but facing Barcelona twice in the semi finals will be a huge test of their character.
Football fans all over the world have been gearing up for the match, and why not? It is arguably the biggest fixture in club football and this fixture has it all - from exceptional goals to terrific saves. Most great players of every generation have played in one of these two clubs and their greatness on the pitch tends to take the audience's breath away.
Without further ado, let us quickly take a look at five players who can take the center stage and change the tie within a blink of an eye.
#5 Arthur Melo
Arthur Melo was one of the standout players in Barcelona's 5-1 victory against Real Madrid this season. To perform like that and dominate the likes of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos in his first Clasico is quite astonishing and Real Madrid will be wary of the threat the Brazilian posses in the midfield.
Since his arrival at the Nou Camp, Arthur seemed to be a huge solution and relief for Barcelona. He has settled in quickly and has managed to pull strings with his effective passing and world-class shielding of the ball.
The Catalan giants have been desperately trying to cope up with the absence of midfield maestros like Xavi and Iniesta, and Arthur is one of the names who popped up in the list. It will again be a huge test for the young midfielder, who will like to have his say in the biggest battle of club football.
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#4 Luis Suarez
Luis Suarez has been a big game player throughout his career. Be it in the World Cups with Uruguay or in Barcelona colours, the former Liverpool man gives his all against the toughest opponents. His hat-trick against Real Madrid in the last 'El Clasico' during Lionel Messi's absence is a testament to the fact.
Like a top striker, he makes life difficult for rival defenders and the likes of Sergio Ramos know what the beast can do if given opportunity. Although there was criticism of FC Barcelona and their dependence on Messi, Suarez brushed the critics aside by stepping up to the plate in the Argentine's absence.
He has scored 9 times against Real Madrid since his debut for Barcelona in 2014/15. He has been a constant threat to reckon with, due to his world class abilities. It would not be an 'El Clasico' without Luis Suarez stepping out and the Real Madrid defenders better watch their back.
#3 Luka Modric
Los Blancos will be looking forward to the current Ballon d'Or winner and more so, after the departure of their talisman, Cristiano Ronaldo. Like all Real Madrid players, it had been a rough first half of the season for the midfield maestro.
Luka Modric's exploits were key as Real Madrid won the UEFA Champions League and led Croatia to the Grand Finale in the World Cup. With Real Madrid, his importance is unwavering as they dominate more when Luka Modric is on form.
Luka Modric knows the importance of a grand fixture like El Clasico, more so in a cup semi final. It can change the complexion of Real Madrid's season and can put a stop to all the negativity around Santiago Bernabeu. Despite the poor performances in the first half of the season, Modric looks to be back in good form and will play a pivotal role in Real Madrid's midfield.
#2 Karim Benzema
Karim Benzema is the most in-form player for Los Blancos right now. It is no wonder that his brilliance coincided with Real Madrid's recent good run of form. He has scored 17 goals in all competitions so far and has 4 goals in 3 matches in the Copa Del Rey.
Often criticized, Benzema's penchant for finding space while dropping deep is one of his most underrated traits. He can lose his marker, make space and pick out his teammates with pin point passes and it is crystal clear that he can trouble any defense in the world with his caliber.
Benzema's superb goal scoring run in this season will be a major cause of concern for Barcelona. He has scored 6 goals in his last four games and can have the most impact among Real Madrid players on the pitch.
#1 Lionel Messi
It is truly sensational that Lionel Messi has been involved in at least one goal in the last 16 matches in the La Liga. The last time he played and wasn't involved in a goal was September, and he showcased his magic once again last weekend as Barcelona salvaged a point against Valencia after going 2-0 down.
As is the norm, Leo Messi was instrumental in Barcelona's Copa Del Rey matches, helping them overcome teams like Sevilla. Although he is in the squad, it is unclear whether Ernesto Valverde will use him, as Leo Messi picked up a knock in the last game which seems to be a minor obstacle.
Although the Catalan giants humiliated Real Madrid even when Leo Messi was absent in the last 'El Clasico', Leo Messi's presence poses the greatest threat to any opposition. We are all familiar with Leo Messi's exploits over the years against Real Madrid and it is crystal clear that he will pose the biggest threat to Real Madrid's hopes on the pitch.
