Barcelona and Valencia battle for final Cup final place

MADRID. February 7. KAZINFORM FC Barcelona are favorites to seal their third Copa del Rey final appearance in four years when they entertain Valencia in the Camp Nou Stadium on Wednesday night; Kazinform refers to Xinhua.

The Catalans drew 1-1 away to Valencia a week ago and the away goal means that a 0-0 draw in front of their own fans would be enough to take them to the final, for which neither a date nor venue has yet been confirmed.

Barca go into the match after being named as the best team of the year in 2011 at the Laureus awards, which were handed out in London on Monday night. Barca beat teams such as the Red Bull Formula 1 motor racing team, the English cricket team and NBA side Dallas Mavericks.

Barca coach Pep Guardiola has to contend with the ongoing injury crisis among his first team squad. Pedro Rodriguez, David Villa, Ibrahima Affelay, Andreu Fontas will all miss the game and while Andres Iniesta could make an early return from his muscle problem, Alexis Sanchez is also doubtful with a strain.

Guardiola called on three B-team players for his side's 2-1 win at home to Real Sociedad on Saturday and Cristian Tello, who celebrated his home debut with a goal, could well figure at sometime in the game; Kazinform cites Xinhua.

To learn more go to www.xinhuanet.com/english2010