Looking to move into the final round of the 2013-2014 Spanish Copa del Rey tournament, La Liga giants Barcelona hope to recapture the strong form that saw them earn a 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad in the opening leg of the semifinals. Thanks to a Sergio Busquets tally in the 44th minute and an own goal from La Real’s Enaut Zubikarai sixteen minutes later, Barca was able to rely on their strong defensive unit in order to leave their home pitch at Camp Nou with the advantage. The first leg victory over their La Liga rivals was instrumental in providing the 32-time champions with major momentum heading back into league play.
Following the opening 2-0 victory over the white and blue, Barcelona answered with a 4-1 thrashing of Spanish Primera Division rival Sevilla FC. Receiving two goals from four-time Ballon d’Or Award winner Lionel Messi in the win, Barcelona launched themselves back to the top of the La Liga table where they currently hold a slim lead via goal differential over Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid. With a two-goal performance against Sevilla, Messi became the one player with the most goals for a single club in the long and storied history of Spanish soccer.
Though his star scorer started the season in sluggish form following a hamstring injury, Barcelona boss Tata Martino says it was only a matter of time before Messi’s scoring ability returned to a premier level. “I always say the same with respect to Leo,” Martino said this week. “I never run the risk of going over the top with him. Those that do say something negative about him sometimes don't realize what they are doing is affecting his pride and, when you do that to the best player in the world, this is what happens.”
While Martino is completely pleased with the way Messi has played, the 51-year-old coach won’t be overlooking Real Sociedad come Wednesday’s second leg of the Copa del Rey semi’s. Hoping to reach the final for the first time since 2012, Martino said he and his players are fully aware that there is no margin for error, especially since they’ll be playing the match at Real’s home pitch inside Anoeta Stadium.
“Each time there is less margin for error,” Martino said. “We are at a crucial stage of the season and it's clear that each time there will be fewer chances to make changes in the team, although we will try to give opportunities to players that are in good condition.”
Barcelona vs. Real Sociedad: DATE, TIME & VIEWING INFO
DATE: Wednesday, February 12
TIME: 4:00pm, ET
TV COVERAGE: beIN Sports USA / beIN Sports en Español
LIVE STREAM: CLICK HERE or CLICK HERE
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