Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Barcelona will make a late fitness call on Lionel Messi ahead of tonight's clásico at the Nou Camp.
The Argentine trained on Tuesday as he looked to recover from a thigh problem picked up against Valencia at the weekend, and the hope is that he is ready to face Real Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final.
Ousmane Dembele certainly won't be playing, with the French winger struggling to deal with an ankle problem and not included in the squad.
Carles Alena and Malcom, two young players of differing skill sets, are competing for Messi's spot if the five-time Ballon d'Or winner does not recover in time.
Otherwise Barca will be much as expected with Marc-Andre Ter Stegen the only senior goalkeeper fit. Sergi Roberto and Jordi Alba will start at full-back with Gerard Pique playing his 33rd clásico alongside newcomer Clement Lenglet.
Sergio Busquets, Arthur and Ivan Rakitic form a formidable midfield trio while the front three is expected to feature the out-of-sorts Philippe Coutinho, Luis Suarez and - hopefully - Messi.
Real Madrid will be hoping not, of course, with youngster Sergio Reguilon pencilled in to play at left-back.
Marcelo has lost favour with new boss Santiago Solari and has found himself out of the team in recent weeks, with Dani Carvajal, Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane set to start in the other defensive positions. Casemiro, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric continue to be Madrid's first-choice midfield triangle while the front three has the most unknowns.
Karim Benzema should start centrally, with the Frenchman enjoying a productive season after Cristiano Ronaldo's departure, but he could be flanked by any number of options. Most likely is Lucas Vazquez, the homegrown winger who offers a lot defensively, while Vinicius Junior and Gareth Bale might be fighting for just one spot on the other wing.
69': The talisman's presence has lifted the whole Barcelona side. He runs at the defence again and is brought down by Vazquez on the edge of the box. The free-kick bullets into the wall though.
74': Sergio Ramos is lucky to escape a yellow card for a clumsy challenge. Malcom, though, has tweaked a muscle in his thigh and is withdrawn in place of promising youngster Carles Alena.
78': Luis Suarez is pleading for a penalty. The Uruguayan is being ushered out of play by Sergio Ramos until Lucas Vazquez charges across right before Suarez reaches the line and junts him over. Suarez falls and appeals. The ref has a think but waves it away.
81': Gareth Bale spurs a brilliant chance! Ter Stergen comes out to clear but passes it straight into the path of Karim Benzema. The Frenchman lays off to Gareth Bale who has an open goal at his mercy yet the Welshman cuts onto his right foot and slips. What a miss.
85': That counter attack has taken the impetus out of Barcelona though who have receded cautiously. Toni Kroos' low shot is diverted away from the bottom corner by Pique.
90': Lionel Messi is brought down in the box by Sergio Ramos! But he's got the ball and the Argentine knows it. Ramos does Messi the courtesy of a hand-up.
90+2: Messi is free on the break but is scythed down by Dani Carvajal. How on earth has he not been booked for that?
FT: Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid
The Copa del Rey semi-final tie is left on tenterhooks.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments