Barcelona’s starting lineup for Copa del Rey final vs Real Madrid almost locked in | OneFootball

Barcelona pulled off a 1-0 victory over RCD Mallorca in La Liga earlier this week, building momentum heading into the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid on Saturday.

Indeed, the Blaugrana are set to face their arch-rivals in a final for the second time this season, having already thrashed them 5-2 in the Spanish Super Cup finale back in January.

Starting XI already set

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick used the recent match against Mallorca to rotate his squad, all with the Copa del Rey final firmly in mind.

The German coach effectively laid out his blueprint for Saturday’s showdown against Real Madrid at Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville on 26 April.

Indeed, with Robert Lewandowski and Alejandro Balde ruled out, and key players rested midweek, the lineup is now all but confirmed.

Flick’s selections and substitutions vs Mallorca have left little to the imagination, with only a last-minute setback likely to alter the plan.

How can Barcelona line up vs Madrid?

Flick has the starting XI figured out. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Despite Marc-Andre ter Stegen being on the cusp of receiving his medical clearance, Wojciech Szczesny will remain in goal, while the German will likely be on the bench or part of the travelling squad.

No surprises are expected at the back as Flick rested three of his starting defenders – Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, and Gerard Martin – vs Mallorca. All three are expected to feature alongside Inigo Martinez to contain Madrid’s attacking trio.

In midfield, Pedri and Frenkie de Jong are untouchable. The Dutchman sat out vs Mallorca to be at full strength for the final, while Pedri delivered a standout performance.

Flick may have preferred to give the 22-year-old midfield maestro some rest late on, but the tight scoreline made that impossible.

Ahead of them, Flick will deploy his strongest attacking quartet. On the right, Lamine Yamal is expected to start, with Dani Olmo operating in the central playmaker role and Raphinha on the left. The Brazilian comes in fresh, having been rested against Mallorca.

Ferran, despite recent frustration at being subbed off against Celta, is in excellent form and appears set to lead the attack in Lewandowski’s absence.

The option of using Olmo as the false-nine and deploying Gavi or Fermin Lopez in the No. 10 also exists, but Ferran is unlikely to be benched given his form and the fact that he is the leading goalscorer in Copa del Rey.