The outcome of Real Madrid`s season and FC Barcelona`s pursuit of a potential treble hang in the balance as these two giants face off in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday. With matches coming thick and fast during the season`s crucial run-in, both teams are grappling with significant injury concerns as they finalize their lineups for this high-stakes encounter. Barcelona is confirmed to be without Alejandro Balde and star striker Robert Lewandowski. Real Madrid, meanwhile, has recently sustained injuries to David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga. Adding to the pre-match drama, the club made a surprising announcement that star forward Kylian Mbappe would not be included in the starting eleven.
Both managers have spent the season juggling multiple injuries while trying to extract the best performance from their squads. Now, with a major trophy on the line, their selection decisions carry even greater weight. Barcelona`s recent 1-0 victory over Mallorca provided a first look at their attack functioning without Lewandowski. Despite registering 40 shots in that match, Hansi Flick`s side struggled with their finishing touch. However, with players like Raphinha having been rested, this might not be a major concern. A promising takeaway from the Mallorca game was the dynamic movement and interchange between Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres.
Their fluid positioning, making it difficult to discern who was playing as the central striker, successfully kept the opposition defense guessing. When you add talents like Lamine Yamal and a refreshed Raphinha to the mix, this attacking unit could pose a significant challenge for Real Madrid`s defense, which has faced its own issues. Behind them, Pedri is enjoying an excellent season dictating the tempo from midfield, and this area will be a key focus for Real Madrid to control.
Federico Valverde is expected to be partly tasked with keeping a close watch on Pedri. However, the absence of Eduardo Camavinga is a considerable blow. Camavinga is a vital component of Madrid`s setup due to his versatility, capable of playing across midfield and even dropping into defensive roles when required. His injury likely opens the door for veteran midfielder Luka Modrić. Having reportedly received full rest during the week, the 39-year-old Croatian maestro should be fresh and ready for this final, arriving just when his experience and quality are most needed.
Despite the presence of younger midfielders like Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni, who are often seen as the future of Madrid`s midfield, Modrić continues to defy expectations and remain indispensable for Los Blancos, featuring in 30 league matches this season alone.
The other significant shock, of course, is the decision regarding Kylian Mbappe. His much-anticipated arrival at Real Madrid was expected to usher in an era of relentless trophy accumulation. Instead, his integration has at times created an imbalance in the attack. While he has had periods of brilliant goal-scoring form, his impact hasn`t consistently translated into decisive performances on the very biggest stages for Madrid yet. Against Barcelona`s characteristic high defensive line, Mbappe`s blistering pace would have been a crucial weapon, stretching the back line and creating space for Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior to operate in and around him. Without him starting, the question remains who will provide the primary attacking threat alongside Vinicius Jr.
On paper, things appear to slightly favor Barcelona in their pursuit of a potential treble. However, this doesn`t mean a Real Madrid victory is impossible. They will simply need to deliver a vastly improved attacking performance compared to their recent outing against Arsenal to stand a chance in this final.
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
