The Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and Barcelona on Saturday presents a crucial moment for both clubs, with Real Madrid`s season effectively on the line and Barcelona aiming to keep their treble aspirations alive. As the demanding season reaches its climax, both teams are grappling with significant injury concerns.
Barcelona will be without key players Alejandro Balde and Robert Lewandowski. Real Madrid`s injury woes have also deepened with new issues affecting David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga. Adding to the complications for Real Madrid, the club announced the surprising decision that star forward Kylian Mbappe would not feature in the starting lineup for the final.
Navigating numerous injuries while maintaining peak performance has been a challenge for both managers all season. However, with a major trophy at stake, the strategic decisions made carry even greater weight. Barcelona recently offered a glimpse of their setup without Lewandowski in a match where they secured a narrow 1-0 victory despite attempting an impressive 40 shots but struggling with their finishing.
This lack of cutting edge might not be a major concern given that key attackers like Raphinha were rested in that game. Furthermore, the dynamic and unpredictable movement between Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres during that match was a notable positive, making it difficult for the opposition defense to anticipate who was playing as the primary striker.
Introducing Lamine Yamal and Raphinha into the attack alongside Olmo and Torres could create a significant challenge for Madrid`s defense, which has faced its own injury issues. Pedri`s excellent form in midfield, dictating the tempo, will be a critical area for Real Madrid to focus on controlling.
Federico Valverde is likely to be assigned the task of marking Pedri. The absence of Eduardo Camavinga, a versatile midfielder capable of dropping into defensive roles, is a considerable blow to Madrid`s tactical flexibility. This situation, however, might necessitate the inclusion of Luka Modric in the starting eleven.
Despite his age (39) and the emergence of younger midfielders like Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni who are seen as future replacements, Modric remains integral to Real Madrid, having featured in 30 league matches this season. His expected full rest during the week should ensure he is prepared for the demands of the final.
Mbappe`s starting absence is undoubtedly the other major surprise. His high-profile arrival was anticipated to mark the beginning of a new era of trophy success for Real Madrid. However, his integration has sometimes seemed to disrupt the team`s attacking rhythm, despite periods where he has shown prolific goal-scoring form. Consistent impact on the biggest stages for Madrid has yet to be fully realized.
Barcelona`s strategy often involves playing a high defensive line, attempting to catch opposing forwards offside. Mbappe`s exceptional pace would have been a prime tool to exploit this, stretching their defense and creating space for teammates like Vinicius Junior. Without him, it remains uncertain which player will step up to provide a consistent threat alongside Vini Jr.
Considering the circumstances, Barcelona appears to hold a slight advantage in their quest for the treble. However, Real Madrid is more than capable of winning this match, but they will need to deliver a significantly improved attacking performance compared to their recent outing against Arsenal.
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
How to watch Barcelona vs. Real Madrid, odds
- 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
