FC Barcelona and Real Madrid face off tomorrow, Saturday, April 26, in the Copa del Rey final. It will be at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville at 10:00 p.m. A Clásico with a trophy at stake, with unfinished business, and with pride on the line.
There is no room for error. It is the opportunity for both to lift a national title this season. The context makes it an even more tense duel.
Barça arrives after narrowly defeating Mallorca in La Liga and with the squad full of hope… but also with several setbacks.
Flick Loses Two Key Starters
Hansi Flick will have to face the duel without two key pieces in his usual line-up. The first, Robert Lewandowski, has been left out of the squad due to muscle discomfort. The Pole has not been able to recover in time, and his absence leaves the Barça attack orphaned.
Alejandro Balde will not be there either. The left-back is still in the recovery process and has not been included in the coach's plans for such a demanding match. A significant absence, especially against a rival that attacks so much down the wing.
With these two confirmed absences, Flick is forced to reinvent himself. There may lie one of the keys to the match.
Madrid, With Everything
Meanwhile, Real Madrid arrives with practically the entire squad available. Ancelotti doesn't want to be overconfident, but he knows he has the experience and depth needed to manage this type of match. The Copa del Rey is the clear objective of the white locker room.
Vinícius, Bellingham, Rodrygo, and company arrive rested and in good form. At Barça, they are convinced that motivation can tip the balance. This team has proven to know how to compete when no one expects it.
Flick has an ace up his sleeve.
The Signing in Top Form
La Cartuja is preparing for a historic night. Tickets have been sold out for days. The Barça fans have replied strongly, aware of what is at stake: a title, a statement, and a golden opportunity to silence critics.
There is confidence in the locker room. Players like Pedri, Lamine Yamal, or Ter Stegen arrive in top form. If Barça manages to impose its rhythm and high pressure, it can cause damage.
It will be a final of details, of minimal errors, and moments of inspiration. That's where an unexpected figure may appear.
Ferran Torres will be the big surprise of this final. The Valencian has convinced Flick with his silent work, his physical condition, and his impact in training. Without Lewandowski, everything points to Ferran being the starter at the forefront of the attack.
His performance has gone from less to more during the season, and he is now at his best. He has goals, he has confidence, and he is ready to take on the responsibility. At Barça, they believe he can be decisive.
Tomorrow, at 10:00 p.m., Camp Nou will move to La Cartuja. Ferran Torres could be the hero no one expected.