The Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and Barcelona is set to be a defining match with immense implications for both clubs` seasons. As fixtures come thick and fast towards the end of the campaign, both sides are grappling with significant injury concerns ahead of the encounter. Barcelona will be without Alejandro Balde and Robert Lewandowski, while Real Madrid faces new setbacks with injuries to David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga. Adding to the drama, a stunning announcement revealed that star forward Kylian Mbappe will not feature in Real Madrid`s starting lineup.
Both managers have faced the challenge of balancing team selection amidst numerous injuries throughout the season, but with a major trophy on the line, the tactical decisions made will be under intense scrutiny. We recently saw how Barcelona copes without Lewandowski in their narrow 1-0 victory against Mallorca. Hansi Flick`s side created a high volume of scoring chances but struggled with their finishing touch. However, with key players like Raphinha having been rested, this may not be a major concern. A notable positive from that game was the effective interchange between Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres.
It was often difficult to distinguish between striker and midfielder roles for Olmo and Torres, as their fluid positioning kept the opposition defense unsettled. When you add talents like Lamine Yamal and Raphinha to this dynamic, it could present a significant challenge for Madrid`s injury-affected defensive unit to track. Pedri, operating behind them, is enjoying an excellent season and dictates the team`s tempo, which is an area Real Madrid will need to focus on containing.
Federico Valverde will likely be assigned a role in monitoring Pedri, but the absence of Camavinga is a considerable blow. Camavinga`s versatility, being able to perform in midfield and drop into defensive positions when required, makes him a critical component of Madrid`s setup. However, this cup final is expected to call upon the experience of Luka Modric. After getting a full week`s rest, the 39-year-old Croatian midfielder should be fresh and ready precisely when his team needs him most.
Despite the emergence of players like Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni, who were seen as part of the long-term transition away from him, Modric continues to defy expectations, having featured in 30 league matches for Los Blancos this season.
The other major talking point is undoubtedly the absence of Kylian Mbappe. His arrival was anticipated to herald a new era of trophy success for Real Madrid, but it has arguably introduced an element of imbalance to their attack. While he has had periods of impressive goalscoring form, it hasn`t fully come together on the biggest stage for Madrid just yet. Against Barcelona`s tactic of holding a high defensive line to play the offside trap, Mbappe`s explosive pace would have been a primary weapon to stretch the back line, creating space for Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior to exploit around him. Without him, there is uncertainty regarding which player will step up to provide a significant attacking threat alongside Vini Jr.
Based on current form and circumstances, the momentum appears to favor Barcelona in their pursuit of a potential treble. This does not, however, mean that Real Madrid cannot win this match. They will need to 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
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
Adrian Whitmore