Enough of the big-name imports, Real Madrid’s kids deserve their chance

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In the past week where Real Madrid’s academy was the hot topic in the Spanish capital, sparked by Jose Mourinho’s public criticism of the ‘B’ team’s manager for his failure to assist the youths’ ascension, it would be ironic that the Merengues’ cup victory last Wednesday would be sealed by a debut goal from La Fabrica’s most highly-rated prospect, further igniting the debate.

Preview: Copa Clásico 2nd leg – 20 Interesting Stats

86-86 – Barcelona and Real Madrid are now level on the number of ‘Clásico’ wins with 86 each. Before Pep Guardiola joined, Madrid were leading 85-77

Real Madrid have now gone 12 matches without beating their rivals [after 90 minutes]

Neither side has kept a clean sheet in this season’s four meetings

In the first leg, only one Madrid player, Xabi Alonso (34), completed more passes than the blaugrana goalkeeper Pinto (25)

Under Guardiola, Barcelona have lost only 3 games in 27 cup games

Since April 2011, there have been 7 Clasicos that have seen a total of 46 yellow cards and 7 red cards