In the latest chapter of El Clásico, Barcelona and Real Madrid are set to go head-to-head with the Copa del Rey on the line. Barcelona and Real Madrid both have a lot at stake in this all-important Copa del Rey final. The Catalan giants will be fighting to keep their chances of a treble alive, while the result of this fixture might go a long way in deciding Carlo Ancelotti’s future at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos are playing a catch-up game in the league, and they have already been knocked out of the Champions League. While Real Madrid does have an outside chance of winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey is their only clear-cut opportunity.
They got past Real Sociedad in the semi-finals and are heading into this fixture on the back of a 1-0 win over Getafe in La Liga. Having lost to their arch-rivals twice so far this season, the team in white will certainly be eager to bounce back. The Hard Tackle takes a close look at both teams and tries to predict the tactics they could deploy.
Team News & Tactics
Barcelona
While Hansi Flick has suggested that Marc-Andre ter Stegen is closing in on a return, this clash might come just a bit too soon for the goalkeeper. Barcelona will also be without several key first-team players, as Robert Lewandowski and Alejandro Balde remain on the sidelines alongside Marc Casado and Marc Bernal.
Flick will stick with the 4-2-3-1 formation, where Wojciech Szczesny will be in goal. Jules Kounde and Gerard Martin should be the full-backs, with Pau Cubarsi pairing up with Inigo Martinez at the heart of the defence.
The back four will look to keep tight at the back and will receive significant support from Frenkie de Jong and Pedri, who will form the double pivot in midfield. Lamine Yamal and Rapinha will feature on the flanks providing much-needed width to their attacks. They will be the two biggest threats for the team in white. Fermin Lopez could take up the number ten role, while Ferran Torres should continue to lead the line for Barcelona against Real Madrid.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Kounde, Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Martin; de Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Raphinha; Torres
Real Madrid
Los Blancos suffered two massive blows in their last outing as Eduardo Camavinga and David Alaba both picked up injuries, ruling them out of this fixture. Camavinga’s season is already over as he has suffered an adductor tear.
Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao remain on the sidelines, while Ancelotti is hopeful that Kylian Mbappe and Ferland Mendy will be fully fit to take part in this final. The Italian manager will look to field the strongest possible XI as they look to finally go past their arch-rivals having already lost twice to them this season.
Real Madrid will line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, where Thibaut Courtois will be in goal. Lucas Vazquez and Fran Garcia should be the full-backs, while Antonio Rudiger could pair up with Raul Asencio in the heart of the defence.
In the centre of the park, Federico Valverde could from the double pivot alongside Aurelien Tchouaméni. They will look to ensure Barcelona do not enjoy too much possession of the ball. Rodrygo and Vinicius will feature on the flanks, while Jude Bellingham will take up the number ten role. Kylian Mbappe should lead the line for Real Madrid against Barcelona on Saturday.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Vazquez, Asencio, Rudiger, Fran Garcia; Tchouameni, Valverde; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappe
Key Stats
Real Madrid and Barcelona are all set to square up against each other for the 260th time. The team in white have won 105 while the Catalan giants have 102 wins to their name.
Hansi Flick’s team smashed Real Madrid 5-2 in the Spanish Super Cup final during their last meeting back in January.
The Catalan giants have won 22 out of their last 27 matches in all competitions. They have only suffered one defeat during that run.
The last time the two giants met in the Copa del Rey final, Los Blancos won 2-1 back in 2014.
13 out of Real Madrid’s last 14 games have been decided by one-goal margins.
Player to Watch
Federico Valverde
While both teams have some of the best forwards in the world, Valverde might end up being the difference between them. Barcelona are expected to have the majority of the ball and in such a situation, the South American will have a lot of defending to do.
But his ability to impact the game in the final third could help Los Blancos. Barcelona will certainly create a few changes and if they do keep things tight at the back, the 26-year-old could help them make a difference on the other end. The Uruguayan international already has 17 goal contributions this season and it won’t be a surprise if he ends up adding to it in this final.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid Prediction
Barcelona 1-2 Real Madrid
Barcelona vs Real Madrid Live Stream
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