Real Madrid vs Barcelona in UEFA champions league semifinal preview

Real Madrid vs Barcelona  in  UEFA champions league semifinal preview. Confidence is soaring in the Madrid camp having last week ended a near three-year trophy drought by beating Barca to win the Copa del Rey, and then at the weekend they showed their formidable strength in depth when a supposed second-string side thumped third-placed Valencia 6-3 at the Mestalla - becoming the first away side ever to score six times at Valencia in the league. it is only two of Madrid's starting line-up from the cup final began that match, and with an almost full squad available for Wednesday's match - Ricardo Carvalho is suspended and meanwhile, Sami Khedira injured. Jose Mourinho has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal as he looks to move a step closer to becoming the first coach to conquer Europe with three different clubs. It is a different story for Barca boss Pep Guardiola, who has something of defensive crisis with left-backs Eric Abidal, Maxwell and Adriano all definitely missing, while Carles Puyol and Gabriel Milito are both battling to recover from injuries, although they have both been included in a 20-man squad. With their injury problems and Madrid´s good form in mind, Guardiola suggested at the weekend that Mourinho´s men were favourites ahead of Wednesday's game, but Ramos has played down that tag. Further good news for Barca came with David Villa ending his 11-game goalless streak for the club with the opener in that match, while substitute Lionel Messi wrapped up the win late on with his 50th competitive club goal of an incredible season - a new record for Spanish football. Barca, who are also without striker Bojan Krkic through injury, may not be at full strength heading into the third of four 'Clasicos' with Madrid in the space of 18 days, but midfielder Andres Iniesta is still in optimistic mood. meanwhile, Madrid, looking for a record 10th European cup crown after progressing past the last 16 for the first time in seven years, have beaten Barca twice before in the semi-finals of this competition, and on both occasions - in 1960 and 2002 - went on to lift the trophy. However, both of teams wants to get the victory in this first leg in order to maintenance its chances in the second leg.