Madrid buoyed by Mourinho, cup win against Barca

Real Madrid can draw off its Copa del Rey victory and coach Jose Mourinho's Champions League success over Barcelona when the pair meet in the first leg of the all-Spanish semifinal on Wednesday.

Madrid beat a Pep Guardiola-coached Barcelona side for the first time to earn its first domestic cup in 18 years and first silverware in nearly three.

Now, the nine-time European champions are banking on Mourinho to repeat last year's achievement at this stage when his Inter Milan knocked the Catalans out to reach the final.

Spanish champion Barcelona's defense is struggling without a natural left back and Carles Puyol's availability remains in doubt.

Madrid is without Sami Khedira, who has been key in stifling Barcelona's attack.

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