I think we should adapt the national cup system with single leg matches from the beginning to the end. Only us and Italy from the ‘top leagues’ play two legs in the semis. It’s not that we won the first match that I’m saying this, but it would make more sense if the second leg would’ve been 1 week later (just like the previous rounds). 3 weeks however are almost 1 month and with the current schedule, a lot can happen between now and 3 weeks later, from form to injuries, fatigue etc.
So whatever happens in the first and only match should stay as it is. A return match 3 weeks later leaves nothing but more room for unrealistic comebacks because of: media pressure, team’s mood that changed after 3 weeks, possibility of referee corruption (like always) etc.
However, we have a different reality and we still have unfinished business with Barca. I won’t comment much before tonight’s match, only that I wish for us not to be humiliated and somehow go through, that would be it. Even if we lose 3-1 or 4-2 or 5-3, just do it and get to the final.
With that being said, I think we’d have much slimmer chances of reaching the final if Rakitic plays, and it’d be extremely unfair if Vidal doesn’t play. The guy was at his best, peak form and then a crippled Navas comes, playing to 50-60% of his capacity and gets his spot, only because he says so.
It’s the last time for Lope to show strong character and managing abilities by not fielding the poor performing players. I’m not even sure if Papu deserves a start tonight, but then Munir wouldn’t do us much of a favor when you think of it.
I’d go with this formation:
Bono
Vidal - Kounde - DC - Escudero
Jordan - Fernando - Oliver
Suso - YEN - Papu (or Munir)
So it’s basically the same formation that we used to beat Barca 2-0 in the first match, only without Rakitic. If both Rakitic and Navas play, leaving Oliver and Vidal out, then it’s fingers crossed and hoping for a miracle, but it will be a painful night. One goal from us though and it could drastically change the match, but judging of how we performed vs. Barca last Saturday… scoring a goal seems like a very unachievable goal 