The Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona carries immense significance for both clubs` seasons, with Barcelona also chasing treble aspirations. As the season reaches its climax, both squads are grappling with notable injury lists impacting their final preparations. Barcelona faces the match without Alejandro Balde and Robert Lewandowski, while Real Madrid has recently lost David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga to injuries. In a surprising development, it has been announced that star forward Kylian Mbappe will not be in Real Madrid`s starting lineup for the crucial match.
Both managers have navigated significant injury challenges throughout the season while trying to extract peak performance from their teams. Now, with a major trophy at stake, their lineup decisions are under intense scrutiny. Barcelona`s recent 1-0 victory against Mallorca offered insights into their attack without Lewandowski. Despite taking 40 shots, the team struggled with finishing. However, resting players like Raphinha in that game means this isn`t a major concern for the final. A promising aspect was the fluid interplay between Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres.
Their ability to constantly interchange positions made it difficult for the opposition defense to mark a fixed striker. Adding Lamine Yamal and Raphinha to this dynamic could present a significant challenge for Madrid`s injury-hit defense. Meanwhile, Pedri`s outstanding season, where he dictates play from midfield, is an area Real Madrid must strategically focus on containing.
Federico Valverde is likely to be partly responsible for tracking Pedri, but the absence of the versatile Camavinga, who can cover midfield and defense, is a definite blow for Madrid. The Copa final, however, seems poised for the experience of Luka Modric. Having been given a full week`s rest, the 39-year-old Croatian maestro should be fresh and ready to contribute when Madrid needs him most.
Despite the presence of younger talents like Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni, often seen as future replacements, Modric continues to defy expectations, featuring in 30 league matches this season and proving his enduring importance to Los Blancos.
The other major talking point is undoubtedly Mbappe`s surprising omission from the start. His potential or reported arrival at Real Madrid was anticipated to initiate a new era of trophy success, but the text suggests it has instead caused an imbalance in the attack. While he has demonstrated streaks of prolific goalscoring, he hasn`t consistently delivered on the biggest stages for Madrid within the context presented. His blistering speed would have been a valuable asset in exploiting Barcelona`s high defensive line and providing space for Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior. Without him, the question remains who will step up offensively alongside Vini Jr.
Based on the analysis, Barcelona appears to hold an advantage in their quest for a treble. However, Real Madrid is certainly capable of winning, though they will need a significantly better attacking display than they showed in their match against Arsenal.
Predicted Lineups
- Barcelona: Wojciech Szczesny, Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Gerard Martin, Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, 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
Match Details
- Date: Saturday, April 26 | Time: 4 p.m. ET
- Location: Estadio Olimpico de Sevilla — Sevilla, Spain
- Live stream: ESPN+
- Odds: Barcelona +120; Draw +290; Real Madrid +200
