Saturday will crown a new champion of the Copa del Rey as Barcelona and Real Madrid clash in the final. While the teams might be on different trajectories currently, a rivalry match with a trophy at stake can always surprise. Barcelona aims to take the first step towards a potential treble by adding to their record 31 titles in this competition. Meanwhile, Real Madrid needs a victory against their rivals at this stage to salvage their season.
This final could potentially be a defining moment, especially as Carlo Ancelotti`s time as Real Madrid boss may be nearing its end. Winning this trophy would be a strong finish, particularly after seeing their rivals pull ahead in La Liga. However, it`s a tough task, made more challenging for Barcelona by the absence of their star striker, Robert Lewandowski, leaving Hansi Flick with important lineup decisions. Despite this, Barcelona still possesses attacking threats like Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. Real Madrid also has star power, although their attack hasn`t always functioned as smoothly as Barcelona`s recently. Yet, finals often inspire top performances, and Real Madrid will hope this is the case as they vie for the cup.
Tactical Battle: Mbappe vs. Barcelona`s High Line
The match is set to feature a compelling contrast in styles. Under Hansi Flick, Barcelona is expected to push high up the pitch, pressing aggressively and maintaining a high defensive line. Real Madrid`s primary forward, Kylian Mbappe, will likely look to position himself on the defender`s shoulder, ready to exploit space in behind. This creates a direct tactical duel. Barcelona`s high line does present opportunities for opponents, but Mbappe is also susceptible to being caught offside. Success for Real Madrid might hinge on the wide players, Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior, making well-timed runs over the top to stretch Barcelona`s defense. The potential lack of speed in Barcelona`s defense, possibly due to Alejandro Balde`s absence, is an area Real Madrid could target.
Barcelona`s Attack Without Lewandowski
Without a traditional central striker like Lewandowski, Barcelona`s attack will likely have a different dynamic, with Ferran Torres potentially leading the line. While he didn`t find the net in their recent match against Mallorca, he was part of an offensive effort that generated a remarkable 40 shots, even with Raphinha rested. With players like Dani Olmo potentially interchanging positions, Torres can contribute to an attack that is less predictable for Madrid`s defenders. Adding Lamine Yamal and Raphinha to the mix gives Barcelona plenty of firepower to challenge Real Madrid. Unlike the game against Mallorca, Barcelona will need to convert chances from better positions in the final. However, if they can still manage a high volume of shots, perhaps even 30, it could spell trouble for Los Blancos.
Handling the Pressure Cooker
Even without a trophy on the line, a match between these two giants carries immense pressure. The stakes are significantly raised in a final. Barcelona is chasing a treble despite being without a key player, while Real Madrid is desperately trying to salvage their season. Both teams have demonstrated mental fortitude at times, but recent signs suggest Barcelona might be handling the pressure better. Reports indicating Real Madrid`s discomfort, even extending to requesting changes regarding the referees, suggest they might already be feeling the strain.
Match Details Summary
The Copa del Rey final between Barcelona and Real Madrid is scheduled for Saturday, April 26th, with kickoff at 4 p.m. ET. The match will be held at Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville, Spain, and fans can watch via live stream on ESPN+.
