Real Madrid and FC Barcelona will clash in the 2024/25 Copa Del Rey final later in the day, in a fixture that promises to be full of spark, MySportDab reports.
Much was expected from a Real Madrid side that added football star Kylian Mbappe to their ranks, many expected the team to improve on their achievements last season.
However, with just a few games remaining to the conclusion of the current season, it is fair to say they haven’t quite matched up to expectations.
Los Blancos’ season has been plagued by inconsistent team and individual performances, with the team struggling to adapt to the changes made to the team due to the addition of Kylian Mbappe.
They are currently four points behind league leaders Barcelona in the Spanish La Liga, having won 22 of their 33 matches, drawing six and losing on five different occasions.
The team also endured a disgraceful exit from the UEFA Champions League, losing 5-1 on aggregate to Arsenal.
The Copa Del Rey will undoubtedly serve as an opportunity for the Whites to salvage what has otherwise been a disappointing season and appease their disgruntled fans.
The mood at Santiago Bernabeu is however a sharp contrast to what it is at Camp Nou. The arrival of Hansi Flick at the club has seen the club go from strength to strength.
The German has successfully transformed the Catalan giants into the winning machine they once were, with the team putting up impressive, dominating performances.
The team are currently among the last four in the Uefa Champions League after disposing of Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-final 5-3 on aggregate.
They are currently leads the rankings in La Liga after 33 games on 76 points, winning 24, drawing four times and losing on five different occasions.
The Catalans will be feeling particularly confident heading into the match, having met with Madrid on two different occasions this season.
They hold a 9-2 advantage over Los Blancos over the two matches, the latter being a 5-2 battering in the Spanish Super Cup finals.
The possibility of winning a treble will also serve as a source of motivation for Hansi Flick’s side, as the team are still in contention to claim all the major trophies they are contesting for.
Key Facts and Head-to-head
Barcelona will aim for their 32nd Copa Del Rey title. They are the most successful team in the competition, having won it more than any other team.
The last time the two met at this stage of the competition was in the 2013-14 season when Real Madrid won 2-1 to clinch the title.
However, Barcelona will head into this match as favourites, having won their last two meetings against the arch-domestic rivals.
Notably, the Catalan giants trail Real Madrid in total wins in their head-to-head, winning 102 of their 259 matches while Real Madrid records 103 wins and 52 ending in a draw.
Team News
Carlo Ancelotti will be heading into the clash against Barcelona without Eder Militao, who has been sidelined for the majority of the season due to a knee injury.
Eduardo Camavinga also suffered a muscle injury during Real Madrid’s last game, the 1-0 against Getafe and is expected to be out for the season.
The Italian will however be delighted with the return of players like Kylian Mbappe and Ferland Mendy to the squad.
Alejandro Balde, Robert Lewandoski and Marc Casado make up the list of notable absentees from the Hansi Flick squad to take up Real Madrid.
Potential Lineup
Real Madrid: Thibaut Courtois, Lucas Vasquez, Antonio Rudiger, Raul Asencio, Ferland Mendy, Aurelien Tchouameni, Dani Ceballos, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo
Barcelona: Wojciech Szczesny, Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Gerard Martin, Pedri, Frenkie de jong, Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Raphina
