The Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and Barcelona is a pivotal match, potentially defining Real Madrid`s season and determining if Barcelona can continue their pursuit of a treble. Both squads are grappling with notable injury issues as they prepare for this crucial game. Barcelona will be without Alejandro Balde and Robert Lewandowski, while Real Madrid has recently added David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga to their injury list. Adding to the surprises, the club has announced that star striker Kylian Mbappe will not feature in the starting lineup.
Managing player fitness and getting peak performance has been a challenge for both coaches throughout the season, but the stakes are significantly higher with a trophy at stake. Barcelona`s recent 1-0 win against Mallorca provided a glimpse of their attack without Lewandowski. Hansi Flick`s side registered a high number of shots during that match but struggled with finishing. However, with key players like Raphinha rested, this finishing issue might not be a major concern. One promising aspect that emerged was the dynamic interplay between Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres.
Their fluid movement, blurring the lines between striker and midfielder, kept the opposition defense guessing their positions. With the potential inclusion of Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, this attacking versatility could pose a significant challenge for Madrid`s injury-hit defense. Pedri continues to have an excellent season, dictating the tempo from midfield, which will be a key area for Madrid to focus on containing.
Federico Valverde is expected to be tasked, in part, with marking Pedri, but Eduardo Camavinga`s absence is also a setback for Madrid. A versatile midfielder capable of dropping into defensive roles, Camavinga is a vital component of Madrid`s setup. However, this cup final will likely see the return of Luka Modric to the starting eleven. Having received a full week`s rest, the 39-year-old Croatian maestro should be fresh precisely when his experience is most needed.
Although younger players like Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni are seen as future replacements, the veteran Luka Modric remains a crucial figure, having played extensively for Los Blancos this season.
The most surprising news, however, is Mbappe`s exclusion from the starting lineup. His much-anticipated arrival was expected to usher in a new era of trophies for Real Madrid, but it has arguably created some imbalance in the attack instead. While he has had periods of prolific goalscoring, it hasn`t consistently translated into decisive performances on the biggest stages for Madrid yet. With Barcelona`s high defensive line often looking to catch forwards offside, Mbappe`s pace would have been ideal for stretching the back line, creating space for Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior. Without him, it remains uncertain who will step up in attack alongside Vinicius Jr.
On paper, the circumstances seem to slightly favor Barcelona in their quest for a treble. However, this does not mean Real Madrid cannot win; they will simply need to deliver a significantly improved attacking performance compared to their recent outings.
Predicted Lineups
- Barcelona: Wojciech Szczesny, Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Pedri, Gavi, Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Raphinha, Ferran Torres
Announced Lineups
- Real Madrid: Thibaut Courtois, Ferland Mendy, Antonio Rudiger, Raul Asencio, Lucas Vazquez, Aurelian Tchouameni, Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Dani Ceballos, Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior
