Barcelona land Real Madrid in Copa del Rey semifinal draw
El Clasico will return to the Copa del Rey this year.
Barcelona and Real Madrid were paired together in Friday's semifinal draw, with the winner set to face one of Real Betis or Valencia.
The first leg will take place Wednesday at Barcelona's Camp Nou and the Santiago Bernabeu will host the return leg on Feb. 27.
Spain's two heavyweights haven't crossed paths in the country's oldest competition since 2014 when Los Blancos edged their rivals 2-1 in the final. Coincidentally, it was also the last time Barcelona failed to win the trophy; they went on to claim the following four editions, including last season's, which was capped by a 5-0 drubbing of Sevilla in the final.
Friday's draw also means Madrid will host two Clasicos in the span of four days, as their second meeting in La Liga is set to take place on March 2. The Blaugrana hammered Los Merengues 5-1 in their first league fixture this season, a result that convinced the capital side to sack manager Julen Lopetegui the following day.
This year's Copa del Rey final is scheduled for May 25 at the Estadio Benito Villamarin, Real Betis' home stadium.
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