REAL MADRID IS TO PLAY BARCELONA IN THE COPA DEL REY SEMI-FINALS.

Reigning Spanish League champions Real Madrid will host Barcelona before visiting the Camp Nou, in the only round of Spain’s national knockout competition held over two legs. Carlo Ancelotti’s side reached the last four after overcoming local rivals Atletico Madrid 3-1 in extra time in the quarter-finals, while Barcelona defeated Real Sociedad 1-0.

Also, Athletic Bilbao who have reached the Copa del Rey semi-finals for four seasons running, gained their place in the final four with a 3-1 victory over Valencia in the last round. Their opponents Osasuna knocked out Sevilla in the quarter-finals with a 2-1 win after extra time.

Real Madrid’s trip to Morocco next week to compete in the FIFA Club World Cup will clash with the usual date for the semi-final first legs and forced a rescheduled calendar. The first legs will now be played on February 28 and March 1, while the return fixtures will be held between April 4 and 6. Meanwhile, Seville’s La Cartuja stadium is due to host the final on May 6.