Barcelona midfielder Javier Mascherano has insisted that his side are facing Real Madrid at the right time ahead of Wednesday night's Copa del Rey clash.

The Catalan giants continued their march towards the La Liga title tonight with a 5-1 win over Osasuna in which Lionel Messi scored four times.

Mascherano believes that Tito Vilanova's men have a psychological edge over Madrid due to their 15-point advantage over Jose Mourinho's side in the league.

He told reporters: "It is now the best time to face Madrid. It will be a great game regardless of how both teams are playing.

"We will face a Madrid that have great staff and great players and the quality to fight for everything."

Madrid host the first leg of the semi-final at the Bernabeu on Wednesday before the return at the Camp Nou next month.