The Copa del Rey seem to be the surest source of a trophy for the Blaugrana - after they were eliminated from the Champions League by fellow Spanish contenders, Atletico Madrid - and deprived a three-point in the La-Liga by Granada last weekend.
"It's clear that the Cup is fundamental for us," sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta, who has been widely criticised for not bringing in sufficient squad reinforcements, said on Spanish radio on Sunday.
Talismanic Argentina captain Lionel Messi has gone off the boil just when Barca needed his sublime skills the most, while Brazil forward Neymar has blown hot and cold since his high-profile move from Santos in the close season, but Zubizarreta has defended Messi.
"There is nothing wrong with him (Messi)," Zubizarreta said.
"He is fine with the club and with his team mates. His problem is that he has set the bar so high for himself," added the former Barca and Spain goalkeeper.
"He is happy, training well, in good physical shape. But he knows that football throws up challenges every week."
Wednesday night's clash features two teams whose focus is on attack and it should be an open, entertaining spectacle between the world's two richest clubs by income.
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