Hello! It`s a weekend highlighted by El Clasico, as Real Madrid and Barcelona compete for the Copa del Rey trophy on Saturday. Meanwhile, the chase for silverware continues across Europe.
A Clasico with Silverware on the Line
Saturday brings a special edition of El Clasico in Seville, with Real Madrid and Barcelona contesting the final of the Copa del Rey. This is the first time the final of Spain`s main cup competition features El Clasico in 11 years, underscoring the significance of the occasion.
Barcelona has largely dominated this season`s Clasicos, with Hansi Flick`s team having scored nine goals against Real Madrid`s two across their two encounters so far. However, Barcelona will be missing Robert Lewandowski for the final. This raises questions about their attacking threat, given the Polish forward has netted 40 goals this season in all competitions.
Despite this, Barcelona still possess significant talent, including one of football`s most exciting young prospects, Lamine Yamal. The 17-year-old has had an impressive second senior season, representing a new wave of academy graduates. His emergence is a positive sign for Barcelona, even amidst their financial difficulties. While not yet a complete player, James Benge highlights Yamal`s potential importance to Barcelona`s prospects.
According to analysis, Yamal`s performance this season is exceptional for any player, let alone a 17-year-old. He leads La Liga in assists and expected assisted goals, demonstrating his ability to create scoring opportunities. His numerous passes into the penalty area and overall creative actions position him as a top playmaker in the league.
While Yamal`s rise signals a promising future for Barcelona, Real Madrid`s season, marked by the arrival of new `galacticos,` has been less convincing. Real Madrid`s struggles in this season`s Clasicos and their disappointing exit from the UEFA Champions League have raised the prospect of ending the season without a trophy. Consequently, Saturday`s final serves as a microcosm of Real Madrid`s season. A win could provide a much-needed positive note in an otherwise difficult campaign, while a loss would confirm a season considered second-best, despite the significant summer signing of Kylian Mbappe.
The match could also potentially signal the end of an era at Real Madrid, with Carlo Ancelotti likely departing after another successful spell, despite the current season`s challenges. The Copa del Rey could be the final trophy Ancelotti lifts for Real Madrid, adding to his distinguished record which includes two league titles and three Champions League crowns across his two stints at the club. Speculation suggests Ancelotti might leave after the final, though he has remained quiet on the matter. The ongoing La Liga title race might lead him to stay until the end of the league season.
Is the FA Cup Manchester City`s to Lose?
Meanwhile in England, Wembley Stadium in London will host the FA Cup semifinals, featuring a somewhat unexpected lineup. Manchester City is the sole representative from England`s traditional `big six`. Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa, and Crystal Palace are all vying for silverware that would end lengthy trophy droughts. This diverse group reflects the unpredictable nature of this Premier League season, where several major teams underperformed, allowing surprise contenders to emerge.
City are considered the favorites entering the semifinals, seeking a positive outcome in what has been a mixed season for them. They are currently on a seven-match unbeaten streak, a consistency missing earlier in the season which impacted their performance. However, reaching the final on May 17th may still prove challenging.
The surprise surrounding City`s form this season is mirrored by the unexpected progress of Nottingham Forest, their semifinal opponents on Sunday. Forest won their most recent encounter in March, with Callum Hudson-Odoi scoring the only goal. While conventional wisdom still favors City, Pep Guardiola`s team will be missing key players Erling Haaland and Ederson, so Forest will feel they have a real chance.
Before that match, Wembley will host the other semifinal on Saturday between Aston Villa and Crystal Palace. Villa, while perhaps just outside the Champions League spots for next season, have impressed under Unai Emery this season, notably in their recent European quarterfinal. They are considered the favorites against Palace. Crystal Palace perhaps offers the most compelling cup story among the semifinalists, having never won a major trophy, providing strong motivation to reach the final.
Adrian Whitmore