In a surprising turn of events, Kylian Mbappé will start the Copa del Rey final against FC Barcelona on the bench. The French striker, who has been a key player for Real Madrid this season, has not fully recovered from an ankle injury sustained during the Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal. Coach Carlo Ancelotti has opted for a conservative lineup, prioritizing midfield strength over attacking prowess in an attempt to counter Barcelona's aggressive style.
As the match unfolds at La Cartuja, all eyes are on how Real Madrid will manage without their star forward. The decision to keep Mbappé, who is reported to be at 60-65% of his physical capacity, as a substitute reflects Ancelotti's cautious approach. The Italian manager has selected a lineup that features four midfielders and no traditional striker, a strategy aimed at stifling Barcelona's attacking threats.
Real Madrid's starting XI includes Thibaut Courtois in goal, with a defensive line composed of Lucas Vázquez, Jesús Vallejo, Antonio Rüdiger, and Ferland Mendy. In the midfield, Dani Ceballos, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Federico Valverde, and Jude Bellingham will look to control the game, while Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr. are set to lead the attack. Notably, Mendy has not played since March 12 due to a left thigh injury, making his inclusion a risky but necessary choice for Ancelotti.
The substitutes' bench features notable names including Lunin, Fran García, David Alaba, Luka Modric, and Brahim Díaz, with Mbappé among those waiting for their chance to impact the match. The absence of injured players Dani Carvajal, Éder Militao, and Eduardo Camavinga further complicates Ancelotti's options.
Mbappé's injury has been a significant concern for Madrid fans, especially considering his remarkable record this season. The 24-year-old has scored 33 goals, matching the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo's tally during his debut season with the club. However, the last time he found the net was almost a month ago against Leganés, raising questions about his current form and fitness.
Despite the challenges, the Madridistas remain hopeful that Mbappé can make a difference if called upon in the second half. His previous performances in finals have been stellar; he scored in the Supercopa de Europa against Atalanta, the Intercontinental Cup against Pachuca, and even in the Spanish Supercup, despite the team's heavy loss to Barcelona.
The atmosphere in La Cartuja is electric as fans from both sides gather to witness this highly anticipated clash. Barcelona enters the match as the favorite, riding high on their recent successes and confident in their squad's ability to handle the pressure. The Catalan team, managed by Xavi Hernández, has demonstrated remarkable form in recent matches, and their attacking trio poses a significant threat to Madrid's defense.
As the first whistle blows, the tactical battle between Ancelotti and Xavi will be closely scrutinized. The absence of a traditional striker in Madrid's lineup raises eyebrows, but the midfield's ability to control the pace of the game will be crucial. Can they disrupt Barcelona's rhythm and create opportunities for Rodrygo and Vinicius to exploit?
With the stakes high and the rivalry intense, this Copa del Rey final promises to be a thrilling encounter. The history between these two giants of Spanish football adds an extra layer of excitement, as they vie for supremacy in one of the most prestigious cups in the country.
As the match progresses, fans will be watching closely to see if Real Madrid can withstand the pressure and if Kylian Mbappé will get a chance to shine in the second half. Will the Frenchman rise to the occasion, or will Barcelona triumph in this epic showdown? The answer remains to be seen as the drama unfolds on the pitch.
