Barcelona will be keen to return to winning ways, when they host Real Sociedad in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal tonight.
Where to Watch Live
The match is scheduled for a 9pm GMT (2.30am IST) start, with Ten Action and Ten HD providing live coverage in India. US viewers can live stream the game HERE. North Africa and Middle East viewers can catch all the action live HERE.
Overview
The Catalans finally lost the top spot in La Liga to Atletico Madrid at the weekend, courtesy of their shock 2-3 defeat to mid-table Valencia at Camp Nou. Tata Martino's men are now three points below new leaders Atletico and level with archrivals Real Madrid.
Barca have not had the best run of results since the turn of the year and have now dropped seven points in the league already in 2014. Talisman Lionel Messi ended a rare 10-hour goal drought against Valencia but the Blaugrana know they need to improve their performance considerably, if they are to defend their league title.
The Catalans, however, have been dominant in the Copa so far this season, beating La Liga sides Levante 9-2 and Getafe 6-0 on aggregate in the previous rounds. And they will now be determined to build on that form tonight and use it as a springboard to bounce back from their La Liga woes.
Sociedad, on the other hand, are sixth in the Liga, seven points behind the last Champions League spot. They got hammered 4-0 by the high-flying Atletico at the weekend, though they were unbeaten four games prior to that, winning three.
Jagoba Arrasate's men were beaten 4-1 by Barca at Camp Nou, when the two sides met in the league back in September. Sociedad will be aware of the size of the challenge they have ahead of them but after seeing Valencia do the near-impossible at the weekend, they will fancy their chances tonight.
Team News
Barcelona: Neymar (ankle) remains sidelined for the Catalans. Otherwise, Martino has a full squad to choose from.
Sociedad: Arrasate has no injury or suspension concerns. January signing Sergio Canales could make an appearance at some stage tonight.
Expected lineups: Barcelona: Pinto; Adriano, Bartra, Mascherano, Alba; Song, Xavi, Iniesta; Tello, Messi, Pedro
Sociedad: Zubikarai; Zaldua, Inigo, Mikel, Angel; Elustondo, Ros; Vela, Prieto, Castro; Seferovic
Prediction: 3-1 to Barca
