Spain’s biggest two clubs are head-to-head for Spain’s biggest two trophies; this weekend the first will be decided as the Copa del Rey final hopes to see another dramatic edition of El Clásico.
By Karl Matchett
The one team you can’t lose to
While the meeting of Barcelona and Real Madrid is neither a new phenomenon nor an infrequent one when it comes to dishing out silverware, it does remain one of the game’s great spectacles. Midweek lineups from both teams attests to such, with some changes in place as each secured a narrow win in LaLiga.
It’s Barcelona who will feel they have comfortably the upper hand when it comes to enjoying the better 2024/25 season, but that may only mean Real go all out here to ensure this cup goes back to the capital. With the Supercopa won, top spot in the league being held and European success still a possibility, it could prove an incredibly memorable campaign for Hansi Flick and his side. For Carlo Ancelotti, then, the next month or so must be about trying to secure a domestic double before a potential exit – starting with this final.
Both sides have elite attacks, yet look precarious in defence at times. Playing to their strengths may just then see Saturday’s 90 minutes be one of the most attractive of the year – if tempers or officiating don’t get in the way.
Recent form
Aside from a second-leg defeat in Europe to Dortmund, Barcelona have been relentless: 27 games since the turn of the year, four draws and just that one loss. Otherwise, it’s wins all the way to put them in the driving seat in league terms and favourites elsewhere. Real Madrid have lost three and won three in the last six, on the other hand. Big games have too often passed them by when in previous years, form meant nothing and they’d raise their game. It won’t have gone unnoticed by Barcelona, who trounced them in the Supercopa final of course.
Team news
Barcelona’s big recent miss is Robert Lewandowski, who has a hamstring injury. Alejandro Balde and Marc-André ter Stegen remain out too.
Kylian Mbappé faces a race to be fit after an ankle injury for Real Madrid, with Ferland Mendy also still on the comeback trail but pushing for involvement soon. Éder Militão, Dani Carvajal and Eduardo Camavinga are all out.
Key player
With Lewandowski out, look to perhaps player of the season Raphinha to take the lead for Barca in a scoring and a creating capacity. The Brazilian has been excellent and in his last nine appearances has six goals and five assists. On a longer-term capacity he ranks higher than 97% of similar players in Europe’s top leagues over the last year for chances created, than 98% for shots taken and than 99% for goals scored. A magnificent campaign regardless of whether he’s playing right, left or centrally behind the No. 9.
Prediction
Barcelona to make it two trophies from two in an event-filled encounter: Barcelona 4-2 Real Madrid.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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