Real Madrid play host to Barcelona for the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final clash at the Santiago Bernabéu on Thursday.

It’s expected to be a difficult tie between the two Spanish giants.

Ahead of the game, Barca boss Xavi Hernandez has named Real Madrid as the favourites for this game.

“It’s a strong Madrid, a Madrid that have won trophies recently, we are a team in the process of construction,” Xavi told a news conference.

“Madrid are competing in Europe, they thrashed Liverpool at their ground, they are favourites, to be honest.

“We have the personality and players to hurt them too, we’ve shown it – for me it’s quite an even tie.”