The upcoming Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and Barcelona is a pivotal match for both clubs, with Real Madrid`s season potentially hinging on it, while Barcelona is still chasing a treble. As the season reaches its critical final phase, both teams are grappling with significant injury issues that will influence their tactical setup. Barcelona will be missing key players Alejandro Balde and Robert Lewandowski, while Real Madrid has recently lost David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga to injury.
Both managers have faced the challenge of balancing extensive injury lists with the need to get the best out of their squads throughout the season. Now, with a major trophy at stake, their decisions carry even more weight. We recently saw how Barcelona copes without Lewandowski in their narrow 1-0 victory over Mallorca. Hansi Flick`s team took a remarkable 40 shots in that game but lacked efficiency in front of goal. However, considering key players like Raphinha were rested, this finishing issue may not be a major concern. A positive takeaway was the fluid movement and interplay between Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres.
Their dynamic positioning, making it hard for defenders to distinguish between striker and midfield roles and keeping them guessing about where each player would appear, was particularly effective. Introducing Lamine Yamal and Raphinha into this attack could pose significant problems for Real Madrid`s depleted defense. Meanwhile, Pedri`s exceptional season in midfield, where he dictates the tempo, highlights an area Real Madrid must prioritize containing.
Federico Valverde is expected to be partly responsible for marking Pedri, but Camavinga`s absence is undoubtedly a blow for Real Madrid. Camavinga is a crucial part of Madrid`s system due to his versatility and ability to provide defensive cover when needed. However, the cup final is likely to see the experienced Luka Modrić play a prominent role. Having been fully rested during the week, the 39-year-old Croatian veteran is expected to be fresh and ready to contribute exactly when his experience is most required.
Despite Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni representing the future midfield intended to transition away from Modrić, the veteran continues to be vital, having made 30 league appearances for Los Blancos this season. He will be essential if Real Madrid is to secure this trophy. However, the most significant player return is Kylian Mbappé in attack.
Mbappé`s arrival was highly anticipated, expected to usher in a new era of trophies for Real Madrid. Instead, it has sometimes led to an imbalance in the attack. While he has shown flashes of brilliant goalscoring form, his consistent impact on Madrid`s biggest occasions hasn`t fully materialized yet. Given Barcelona`s tactic of employing a high defensive line to catch attackers offside, Mbappé is particularly vulnerable to this approach. Therefore, how effectively he times his runs while Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior operate around him will be a key factor in determining the match`s winner.
On paper, the situation slightly favors Barcelona in their pursuit of the treble. However, this does not rule out a victory for Real Madrid. They will simply need to deliver a significantly improved attacking performance compared to their recent match against Arsenal.
Predicted Lineups
Barcelona:
- Wojciech Szczesny
- Jules Kounde
- Ronald Araujo
- Pau Cubarsi
- Inigo Martinez
- Pedri
- Gavi
- Lamine Yamal
- Dani Olmo
- Raphinha
- Ferran Torres
Real Madrid:
- Thibaut Courtois
- Francisco Garcia
- Antonio Rudiger
- Raul Asencio
- Lucas Vazquez
- Jude Bellingham
- Federico Valverde
- Luka Modric
- Rodrygo
- Vinicius Junior
- Kylian Mbappe
Dominic Ashworth