Guardiola: Cup clash crucial

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola says the outcome of their Copa del Rey tie with Real Madrid will have a lasting impact on the rest of the season.

Real host their arch-rivals at the Santiago Bernabeu for the first-leg of the tie on Wednesday, and Guardiola is determined to get a good result in what he expects to be a difficult encounter.

“The team that loses this tie will end up wounded, and has to recover very quick,” Guardiola said.

“I expect a very even game. Madrid are the strongest rival that we could possibly come across. Against Madrid, no one can feel as though they are favourites.”

The second leg will be played at Camp Nou next Wednesday.