Preview: Real Madrid Femenino vs. Barcelona Women - prediction, team news, lineups

Real Madrid Femenino will play host to rivals Barcelona Women in an El Clasico contest that has a semi-final place in the Women's Champions League at stake.

The hosts booked their place in the quarter-final by finishing in second place in their group, while the reigning European Champions made light work of a group that contained Arsenal and Hoffenheim.

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Match preview

Real Madrid enter the contest in scintillating form after winning eight of their last nine matches in all competitions.

However, the only defeat in that period came against Tuesday's opponents just over a week ago, with Barcelona cruising to a 5-0 victory.

Alberto Toril's side bounced back at the weekend though, winning 2-0 against UDG Tenerife in a contest that could prove crucial in the race for Champions League qualification.

Rocio Galvez gave Real Madrid the lead before half time, while an 86th-minute strike from Maite Oroz wrapped up the three points.

With the daunting prospect of playing the second leg in front of a capacity crowd at the Camp Nou in the second leg, Real Madrid will recognise the importance of claiming a positive result from the home contest on Tuesday.

Barcelona, meanwhile, have already wrapped up the league title after winning all 24 of their Primera Iberdrola matches, but they will still be eyeing the treble with the Copa de la Reina and the Champions League up for grabs.

Widely regarded as the favourites for another European title, Barcelona will be looking to continue their 100% record in all competitions this season.

Jonatan Giraldez has seen his side score a minimum of three goals in their last 10 competitive matches, while they have conceded just three goals in that period.

Their quality was also on full display in the group phase, with Barcelona scoring 24 goals across their six victories to demonstrate that they are the team to beat in the competition.

Unlike their hosts, Barcelona enjoyed a weekend off, with their last outing a 3-0 Copa de la Reina victory over Real Sociedad last Wednesday.

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Team News

Real Madrid will be without the services of Marta Cardona due to a quadricep injury.

Claudia Zornoza missed the most recent meeting with Barcelona through suspension, but she will feature in midfield on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Esther Gonzalez will be one of the home side's main goal threats after impressing domestically this term, with 13 league goals to her name.

Barcelona have a number of injury concerns, with Mariona Caldentey, Asisat Oshoala and Lieke Martens all expected to miss out.

Jenifer Hermoso will return to the side after dropping to the bench for the Copa de la Reina clash against Real Sociedad.

Alexia Putellas scored twice in the recent league meeting against Real Madrid, and she will be aiming to add to the five Champions League goals that she has scored this season.

Real Madrid Femenino possible starting lineup:

Misa; Robles, Ivana, Galvez, Svava; Abelleira, Oroz, Zornoza; Gonzalez, Del Castillo, Moller

Barcelona Women possible starting lineup:

Panos; Torrejon, Pereira, Leon, Ouahabi; Guijarro, Putellas, Bonmati; Hansen, Rolfo, Hermoso,

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We say: Real Madrid Femenino 0-3 Barcelona Women

Although Real Madrid have home advantage on their side, we think that they will struggle to compete with a Barcelona team that have proven to be a level above all challengers, both domestically and in Europe, in the last couple of seasons.