The Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and Barcelona is a pivotal match with significant implications for both clubs` seasons. With the schedule packed during this late stage, both teams are grappling with injury concerns that will influence their starting lineups. Barcelona will be without key players Alejandro Balde and Robert Lewandowski, while Real Madrid recently added David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga to their injury list.
Managers have spent the season navigating numerous injuries while trying to maximize their teams` performance, but with a trophy on the line, every decision is amplified. Barcelona provided a glimpse of how they might cope without Lewandowski in a recent 1-0 victory against Mallorca. Although Hansi Flick`s side registered 40 shots but lacked a decisive touch, the presence of rested players like Raphinha means this isn`t a major worry. A notable positive from that game was the dynamic interplay between Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres.
It was often difficult to distinguish their roles, as they frequently interchanged positions, keeping the defense guessing about their movements. Pairing this with the potential inclusion of Lamine Yamal and Raphinha could create significant challenges for Real Madrid`s defensive unit, which is already dealing with injuries. Pedri`s excellent form in midfield continues to set the tempo for Barcelona and will be a key area for Real Madrid to focus on neutralizing.
Federico Valverde is likely to be tasked with marking Pedri, but the absence of Eduardo Camavinga is a blow for Madrid. Camavinga`s versatility allows him to cover various midfield and defensive roles, making him a vital component of their setup. For this cup final, veteran Luka Modric is expected to play a crucial role. Having been rested during the week, the 39-year-old Croatian should be fresh and ready just when his experience is needed most.
Despite the presence of younger midfielders like Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni being seen as the future beyond Modric, he continues to defy expectations, appearing in 30 league matches this season. His influence is essential for Real Madrid`s trophy aspirations. Another significant factor in attack will be the performance of Kylian Mbappe.
Mbappe`s arrival was anticipated to usher in a new era of trophy success for Real Madrid, but it has sometimes introduced imbalance in the attack. While he has had periods of prolific goalscoring, he is yet to consistently deliver his best performances on the biggest European stages for the club. Barcelona`s strategy of employing a high defensive line to catch attackers offside could pose a threat to Mbappe, making his ability to time his runs and link effectively with Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior crucial to the match`s outcome.
The momentum currently appears to favor Barcelona in their pursuit of a treble. However, Real Madrid possesses the quality to win this match, provided they deliver a significantly improved attacking performance compared to their recent outing 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
Match Details
- Date: Saturday, April 26
- Location: Estadio Olimpico de Sevilla — Sevilla, Spain
- Live stream: ESPN+
- Odds: Barcelona +120; Draw +290; Real Madrid +200
