The first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final between Barcelona and Villarreal figures to be an explosive match coming at the heels of the Catalans come from behind 3-2 victory over the Yellow Submarine just 11 days ago.

Lionel Messi is on an absolute tear. He has scored 33 goals in 31 games this season, and is fresh from scoring one, and playing a major part in four more during last Sunday's 5-2 domination of Bilbao.

Barcelona has ridden Messi's fiery boots well, having won its last nine matches, but it is important to note that February 1's win against Villarreal has been their toughest outing during that stretch.

"In football, you can't live off what you did in the past, nor what will come in the future. There is only the present, and now we are focused on Villarreal," Barca coach Luis Enrique said.

"They have players who can do us damage when we accumulate many of our players in their territory."

Enrique is right in being wary of Villarreal's weapons. Before dropping that match against Barcelona, Villarreal was on a club record 18-match win streak.

Joseph Wilson of the Associated Press notes that coach Marcelino Garcia has put together one of the most exciting teams in La Liga, in a system that thrives on quick transition from defense to attack, while banking on breakout seasons from forwards Luciano Vietto and Denis Cheryshev.

"We won't settle for a draw and are going there with high ambitions," Cheryshev was quoted saying.

"We have nothing to lose and we are aware that this could be historic for the club. There won't be any lack of effort from us."

Villarreal is still mired in a fight for a Top-4 finish in La Liga, a result that will earn a Champions League berth.