Another Clásico in the Copa del Rey

FC Barcelona and Real Madrid will face off in the Copa del Rey for the seventh time in the history of the competition. The head to head record between the two sides stands at three victories apiece. The last Cup semifinal Clásico was in the 1992/93. Los Blancos went through to the final on that occasion.

In terms of meetings between to the two sides in the competition before the semifinals, Barça have qualified for the round seven occasions and Real Madrid on five. In this case, the most recent Clásico before the semifinal round was last season. Barça and Real Madrid met in the quarterfinals, Barça went through to the semifinals.

From the Copa Alfonso XIII to the Copa del Rey

The Cup competition has gone through four name changes throughout its history: Alfonso XIII, Presidente, Generalísimo and del Rey. In this time, Barça have played 31 matches against Los Blancos, of which the Blaugrana won 15, tied 6 and lost 10. It goes without saying that the rivalry is ancient. Barça and Real Madrid faced off against each other for the first time in 1902, when the competition was named Copa Alfonso XII. It was a semifinal playoff, and Barça sent Madrid out with a 3-1 score (single elimination format). Hans Gamper, FC Barcelona founder, featured in the starting line-up.

Since then the rivalry grew more fierce, leaving fans with unforgettable and historic matches. FC Barcelona have won the title 26 tiles - this is why the team is known as the King of Cups - and have finished second on nine occasions. Last season Barça won the Cup when the Blaugrana defeated Athletic Club Bilbao by 3 to 0 at the Vicente Calderón. Messi and Pedro (2) were the goalscorers. In order to reach another final, Barça must defeat Real Madrid.