One goal in 20 matches: Real Madrid attacking ace could be benched in Copa del Rey final | OneFootball

Real Madrid have a point to prove this weekend. After two painful defeats to Barcelona this season, the Copa del Rey final offers a shot at redemption, as they take on the Catalans in the Copa Del Rey final.

But heading into the clash at La Cartuja, there are more questions than answers about the starting lineup. The performances of Rodrygo Goes, in particular, has been a cause for concern.

Will Rodrygo be left out vs Barcelona?

As reported by Diario AS, the Brazilian forward has not exactly impressed the Real Madrid camp with his performances this season.

He has scored just once in his last 20 appearances for the club – a run stretching to 22 matches if you include his Brazil outings.

But it’s not just the numbers worrying the coaching staff; it’s his lack of impact in the final third. Rodrygo has looked flat, barely making his presence felt in the box, and that’s set alarm bells ringing inside Carlo Ancelotti’s camp.

Rodrygo has performed this year (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

With Real Madrid still struggling for compactness, Ancelotti is seriously considering changes. One of them could be a shift back to a 4-4-2 formation.

That would mean Vinicius and Mbappe leading the line, Jude Bellingham drifting left, and the midfield reinforced with names like Valverde, Modric, or even Ceballos.

Rodrygo, therefore, might not find a place in the starting lineup, especially as Ancelotti looks to experiment with his attacking option. As a mater of fact, his place in Ancelotti’s plans might no longer be safe unless there is a drastic turnaround.

That said, the Brazilian international is known for his ability as a super sub and it will be interesting to see if Ancelotti deploys him as a late attacking weapon against Barcelona this weekend.