This Saturday, the Copa del Rey final will see rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid clash to determine the winner. While the two clubs have been on different form lately, a derby match with a trophy at stake can bring surprises. Barcelona aims to take the first step towards a potential treble by adding to their record 31 titles in this competition. Real Madrid, meanwhile, sees this match as a crucial opportunity to salvage their season by defeating their rivals.
With Carlo Ancelotti`s time as Real Madrid manager possibly concluding, securing the Copa del Rey would be a significant farewell achievement. However, it`s a challenging prospect, especially as Barcelona will be missing star striker Robert Lewandowski, forcing coach Hansi Flick to adjust his lineup. Having Lamine Yamal and Raphinha available provides strong attacking options. Real Madrid also boasts talented players, but their offensive play has not always been as fluid as Barcelona`s. Yet, final matches can sometimes ignite a team`s potential, and Real Madrid will hope their players peak for this crucial moment that could define the outcome.
Key Matchup: Mbappe vs. Barca`s High Defensive Line
The final will feature a tactical contrast. Under Hansi Flick, Barcelona is expected to press high and maintain a high defensive line. Real Madrid`s strategy will likely revolve around their star forward, Kylian Mbappe, attempting to exploit the space behind Barcelona`s defense. This creates a direct confrontation. Barcelona`s high line can leave them vulnerable, but Mbappe is also known for being caught offside due to his timing. Real Madrid`s wingers, such as Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior, will need to make timely runs over the top to truly threaten. Barcelona`s defense may lack some speed, particularly with Alejandro Balde absent, which Real Madrid could potentially exploit.
Barcelona`s Attack Without Lewandowski
Without a traditional center forward, Barcelona`s attack will adopt a different shape, possibly with Ferran Torres leading the line. Although Torres didn`t score in the recent match against Mallorca, he was part of an attack that managed a remarkable 40 shots, even with Raphinha resting. Torres can interchange positions, potentially with Dani Olmo, creating unpredictability that could trouble Madrid`s defenders. Supported by talents like Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, Barcelona has ample attacking threat. While shot quality needs to be higher than against Mallorca, accumulating a high volume of shots, perhaps 30 or more, in the final could overwhelm Real Madrid.
Handling the Pressure
Given Barcelona`s treble aspirations despite missing their main striker and Real Madrid`s need to turn their season around, the pressure in this match would be intense even without a trophy on the line. Adding the silverware makes it an even bigger test of nerve. Both teams have shown mental strength previously, but recently, Barcelona seems to handle pressure better. Real Madrid`s reported request for a change in referees before the match could even indicate some early signs of strain within their camp.
Match Details and Betting Odds
- Date: Saturday, April 26 | Time: 4 p.m. ET
- Location: Estadio de La Cartuja — Seville, Spain
- Live stream: ESPN+
- Odds: Barcelona +105; Draw +280; Real Madrid +200
Dominic Ashworth