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This match is over before it even begins, after Barcelona obliterated Valencia 7-0 in the first leg of this Copa del Rey semifinal tie. There is no plausible way Valencia can come back now, but they can at least try to put on a more respectable performance — or Barcelona can go for the throat and humiliate them some more.
That loss already put Valencia manager Gary Neville on the verge of getting sacked, and another similar loss could force the issue. Unfortunately for the embattled first-time manager, given the comparative form of the two clubs, it's hard to see Valencia dramatically bettering their result against Barcelona. If they do put in a solid and improved performance, it could be the key to finally turning around their form this season — but that still won't save them in the tie. They're done in the Copa del Rey.
Key player — Sergi Roberto (Barcelona)
Roberto had found himself in some wonderful form earlier this season before several different injuries left him struggling for fitness and consistency. He's certain to get a lot of time on the pitch in this game, though, and if he can get back to doing the things that had him looking so impressive a few months ago, the utility man can make Luis Enrique's future squad selections a much tougher process.
Key matchup — Dani Parejo (Valencia) vs. Ivan Rakitic (Barcelona)
Parejo struggled against Barcelona's fluid midfield in the first leg of this tie, but he still represents their best chance to try to keep their possession game at bay. Between his own ability on the ball and his high-octane defensive work in midfield, if anyone can disrupt what Barcelona are trying to do, it's Parejo. As the man most likely to be at the heart of Barcelona's midfield for this match, Rakitic is going to have to keep his head on a swivel to keep Parejo at bay, and he's got the defensive chops of his own to keep the Valencia man from being effective in possession.
Valencia injuries and suspensions
Out: Paco Alcacer, Javi Fuego, Enzo Perez
Barcelona injuries and suspensions
Out: Rafinha
Match Date/Time: Wednesday, 3 p.m. ET, 9 p.m. local
Venue: Estadio de Mestalla, Valencia, Spain
TV: beIN Sports (U.S. - English), beIN Sports en Español (U.S. - Spanish), Canal+ Partidazo (Spain)
Online: beIN Sports Connect, FuboTV (U.S.)