Ahead of the second El Clasico of this season between Barcelona and Real Madrid, a lot has changed with the team from the Spanish capital since that miserable night in October 2018 when Barcelona ran riot against their arch-rival on their way to a 5-1 demolition. Goals from Philippe Coutinho and Luis Saurez gave Barca a 2-0 lead after the half-hour mark, and though Marcelo pulled one back for Madrid early in the second half as the visitors looked like they would put up a fightback, two further goals from Suarez and a cherry on the cake from Arturo Vidal in his debut for Barca gave the Blaugrana a resounding result and spelled the end of Julen Lopetegui’s term as coach.
Now, on Wednesday at the Camp Nou, Real Madrid will return 101 days after an unforgettable visit when Lopetegui’s side took that hot slap in the face from a Barca side who were without Lionel Messi and signed off on Lopetegui’s sacking. But now there are 12 key differences that explain Los Blancos’ resurrection.
The coach
From Lopetegui to Santiago Solari. Real Madrid go back to the Camp Nou in the Copa del Rey semi-finals having progressed with relative ease to this point, while they have also reduced gap in La Liga Santander and have added another title in the trophy room with the Club World Cup. YesmMadrid head to the Camp Nou for the Copa del Rey semi-finals after cruising through the previous rounds. And also return to the ground after winning the Club World Cup in December.
Isco
From heaven to hell, Isco Alarcon was central and started at the Camp Nou but the change of coach killed his season and Santiago Solari does not count on him. His position at Madrid looks unlikely to change with the Argentine in the job and he could miss out of the final squad.
Marcelo
Julen Lopetegui had already started the process and Solari has taken it one step further, leaving the Brazilian seated on the bench. Right now, the regular left back is Sergio Reguilon, who may play the full 90 minutes against Barcelona, but it is Marcelo who has played in the cup so far.
Lucas Vazquez
Under Santiago Solari, Lucas Vazquez has become untouchable on the right. He was rested last Sunday against Leganes and will be responsible for taming Jordi Alba.
Vinicius Junior
Julen Lopetegui didn’t see a use for the Brazilian and said he needed ‘cooking time’ with Castilla, but Santiago Solari has heated him quickly and now his performances have everyone smiling.
Karim Benzema
Madrid’s number 9 is the same as 101 days ago but he seems to be an entirely new player. Karim Benzema has exploded under Solari and is looking hard to stop.
Gareth Bale
There was little doubt he would start in the last Clasico but now there are a number of questions hanging over him. Since then, he has been injured and returned, but he is slow to get back to full fitness.
Thibaut Courtois and Keylor Navas
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is now the established and undoubted first choice goalkeeper after his move from Chelsea. Keylor Navas will play on Wednesday night, as the Copa del Rey is his competition and he has not lost there defending Real Madrid’s goal.
Marcos Llorente, Dani Ceballos and the backups
In the last Clasico, Dani Carvajal was out with injury but now Santiago Solari has the whole squad available – excluding Jesus Vallejo and Luca Zidane. Injuries have plagued the side, hitting everyone, but now there is depth, which could prove key going forward for Madrid. Basically, this is a whole new Madrid that would be coming to face Barca at the Nou Camp. Ernesto Valverde’s side buried Madrid in the first Clasico of the season, but they were already dead. Now, the team is completely different, reborn under Solari, and they are on a roll and are determined to play at the Estadio Benito Villamarin in the final.