On the weekend, Real Madrid might finally win their first official trophy of the season. Despite their great names, the squad has struggled this season, and remaining trophyless would reflect poorly on them.
However, winning the Copa Del Rey has not been Real Madrid's strong suit in my experience. Furthermore, a final versus Barcelona is the last thing they wanted.
Madrid have already lost one cup final to the Catalans, and heading into this game, they might be seeking for a full-fledged payback or another humiliating defeat. Losing two major titles to the same opponents will not reflect well on Real Madrid's history.
To win the trophy, three critical fights must be won. These three important matchups will determine whether Real Madrid win the much-coveted title or Barcelona win to keep their treble dreams alive.
Fran Garcia vs. Lamine Yamal
Due to Ferland Mendy's non-recovery and David Alaba's recent injury, Real Madrid's sole choice for left-sided defence is Fran Garcia. So far, the 25-year-old has gotten along with Los Blancos, but a few mistakes and accidents here and there have kept them from fully trusting him.
Fran is an adequate defender and clearly more engaged in the attack than Mendy. However, Fran still struggles to emulate Mendy's defensive steadiness. And facing the explosive Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal won't be easy for the Spaniard.
Yamal is one of the top wingers in the world right now, and he seems to have the world at his feet. He is swift, intelligent, and simply too talented for his age.
Yamal will make sure that you regret even the smallest mistake you make against him. Call it my lack of faith, but right now I can't trust Fran against Yamal. I believe the young star will completely eclipse the left back.
Defending the ball from his tactics and smart deceptions will be a monumental undertaking that might make or break Fran's future at Real Madrid.
Vinicius Jr vs Jules Kounde
Vinicius has been harmed by Kounde several times, and a recurrence of the problem is not wholly impossible. Kounde has progressively emerged as one of the most effective additions to this new Barcelona team, and he has been able to keep the defense intact for an extended period.
The French defender alternates between center-back and right-back positions, and against Real Madrid, he will undoubtedly be utilized on the wing to keep Vinicius at bay. He has already done this successfully, and another attempt is not out of the question.
Vinicius, while unimpressive this season, remains a force to be reckoned with. He is intelligent and quick. While Kounde may have the historical advantage in this duel, dismissing the Brazilian winger may not be the wisest move. He can demolish fortifications in the blink of an eye.
Hansi Flick will have to pay great attention to this specific conflict.
Kylian Mbappe vs. Inigo Martinez
Inigo Martinez, many feel, and I concur, is the head of Barcelona's excellent defense. He is the mastermind of Flick's extremely successful advanced offside line.
The Spanish center-back has been one of Barcelona's most reliable defenders this season. They profit much from his presence. Meeting Kylian Mbappe will be a significant challenge for him.
Mbappe is coming from a sprain and hasn't performed well in recent games. This is an opportunity for the number 9 to outperform himself and produce the crucial goals required to crack the Barcelona defense.
Mbappe has historically struggled with Barcelona's high line, and Martinez is the primary coordinator of the back four. The Frenchman will need to be astute to keep his quick feet under control and score goals from just inside the offside trap, something he has fallen prey to several times.