On Saturday, April 26th, Real Madrid are set to face Barcelona in the final of the Copa Del Rey. This is the only trophy which depends entirely on Los Blancos as they are already out of the Champions League and four points behind Barcelona in LaLiga.
So the importance of this match cannot be stressed any more. With the last two El Classicos ending in humiliating defeats for Real Madrid, they have to start a strong playing eleven.
Here is a look at the expected playing XI for Real Madrid for their upcoming matchup against Barcelona.
GK: Thibaut Courtois
Courtois is expected to start ahead of Andrey Lunin even though the later has been the designated goalkeeper for Copa Del Rey throughout the season. Interestingly this will be Courtois’ first Copa Del Rey start of this season with the Belgian not playing even a single minute in the competition.
RB: Federico Valverde
Valverde has played in his natural midfield position in the majority of recent matches, but for this crucial tie, he is expected to be deployed at right-back to thwart Barcelona's attacking duo of Raphinha and Lamine Yamal. Valverde has already proven his versatility by performing well in multiple positions across the pitch including at the right back position.
CB- Antonio Rudiger
Rudiger is currently one of the best centre-backs in the world and will naturally be included in the starting eleven. He has been rock solid at the back and a constant presence at a time when the other centre-backs have been sidelined due to injury.
CB- Raul Asencio
The youngster no one knew a year ago has been one of the most important players for Real Madrid this season. After the injuries to David Alaba and Eder Militao, he was the only natural centre-back left in the squad. He has been phenomenal since day one and has build up a strong partnership with Rudiger. Asencio is set to maintain that Rudiger in the final as well.
LB- Fran Garcia
Ancelotti has no other options than to start Fran Garcia. Ferlan Mendy is already sidelined with an injury. Eduardo Camavinga was the other option but he suffered an injury against Getafe and is set to be out for the season. This will be a huge opportunity for Fran Garcia to prove his ability.
CDM- Aurelien Tchouameni
With Camavinga sidelined, the only other option left is Dani Ceballos. However he has recently recovered from an injury and has played a limited number of minutes. Tchouameni has performed well in recent matches and is expected to be given the nod to start in the CDM position.
CM- Jude Bellingham
There’s no doubt that Bellingham will start in this crucial matchup. He is one of the best midfielders and has proved his worth numerous times before. Last season, he scored a memorable winner against Barcelona.
CM- Luka Modric
Ancelotti is expected to start Luka Modric for his experience and his ability to create chances. This might very well be the last Copa Del Rey matchup for the veteran and he will surely try to end things with a victory.
RW- Rodrygo
Even though Rodrygo has failed to find the back of the net frequently in recent times, he is one of the best forwards on his day. He is likely to be included in the starting lineup.
ST- Kylian Mbappe
Mbappe’s debut season at Real Madrid has been something of a mixed bag, but that doesn’t change the fact that he is one of the best players in the world and can change a match in an instant. He is Real Madrid’s top scorer this season and it’s a no brainer decision for Ancelotti to start him against Barcelona.
LW- Vinicius Junior
Vinicius is another guaranteed starter in the final. He is currently the best left winger in the world. Despite a relatively quiet season by his standards, he has performed well recently and can be the deciding factor against Barcelona.
Real Madrid have a golden opportunity to win the Copa del Rey, which would save them from a trophy-less season. However, they will need to be at their absolute best to have a chance. Any repeat of their recent El-Classico performances won’t be enough. And who knows, if Real manage to secure the Copa del Rey by beating Barcelona now, they might also snatch the La Liga trophy from Barcelona later.