Barcelona will face Real Madrid in the final of the Copa del Rey at the Estadio de La Cartuja. The Catalan club have been in sensational form this season. They have already qualified for the semifinal of the UEFA Champions League, are favorites for La Liga and are also in the final of the Copa Del Rey. They are in the running for a treble this season.
Barcelona beat Atletico Madrid in the semifinal of the Copa Del Rey to qualify for the final. During the last 89 meetings, FC Barcelona have won 41 times, there have been 21 draws, while Real Madrid have won 27 times. The goal difference is 162-125 in favour of FC Barcelona. Marc Bernal, Marc Casado, Alex Balde, and Robert Lewandowski are set to be sidelined from this game for Barcelona with injuries. Marc Andre-Ter Stegen is back to training and might travel with the team, but he is not expected to play a part in the game. In this article, let us take a look at the predicted lineup of FC Barcelona against Real Madrid.
4-2-3-1 Barcelona Predicted Lineup Against Real Madrid:
Defense:
Barcelona’s predicted defence against Real Madrid looks solid with Szczesny in goal, who has been sensational this season. Kounde at right-back is a reliable force and will quickly shut down wingers and join attacks. Ronald Araujo, the heart of the backline, is a physical beast and will likely be tasked with neutralising Vinicius Jr. Pau Cubarsi, the young centre-back, has shown maturity at this young age and is reading the game well. Gerard Martin at left-back will offer defensive stability in the absence of Balde and overlapping runs. This unit feels balanced. Araujo’s leadership and Cubarsi’s poise will be key to handling Madrid’s pace. They will need tight communication to counter Real’s relentless attacking waves.
Midfield:
Frenkie de Jong and Pedri will anchor Barcelona’s midfield in this 4-2-3-1. They are the duo that possesses class. De Jong’s vision and ball-carrying will dictate tempo and will help the team break lines with his trademark passes. Pedri, the creative spark, should move through tight spaces. He will link defence to attack with ease. Their synergy is vital to outsmart Real Madrid’s pressing. Behind the attacking trio, they will need to stay disciplined to shield the backline. If they control the midfield battle, Barcelona can dominate possession and create chances. Their energy and chemistry could tilt this Clásico in Barça’s favor.
Attack:
Barcelona’s attack is expected to comprise Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Raphinha, and Ferran Torres leading the charge. Yamal, the teenage prodigy, will bring flair and fearless dribbling on the right. Olmo, in the No. 10 role, will be the creative hub, and will throw passes and pop up with goals. Raphinha’s pace and work rate on the left are expected to test Madrid’s defense. Ferran Torres, up top, is a clever finisher who will be exploiting spaces with smart runs. This quartet’s versatility and speed could overwhelm Real’s backline, especially on counters. If they stay clinical, they will give Barcelona a real shot at winning this Clásico.
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