Mendy, Rodrygo start in a 4-3-1-2 – How Real Madrid can line up against Barcelona | OneFootball

After stirring up controversy late on Friday evening, Real Madrid will be aiming to set things right on the field when they lock horns with Barcelona with the Copa del Rey trophy on the line.

Having been angry by the comments made by the referees leading up to the match, Los Blancos pulled out of official pre-match events like the press conference, open training session and official photo shoot.

It led to speculations that Real Madrid are considering walking away from the final of the Copa del Rey altogether, although in the end, the club confirmed that they had no such intentions and that the match will go ahead as planned.

Given the noise and controversy around the match thanks to last night’s antics, Real Madrid will go into the game with added pressure as they seek revenge on Barcelona who have already beaten them twice this season.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side have been boosted by the availability of key forward Kylian Mbappe and left-back Ferland Mendy. But Eduardo Camavinga misses out, along with long-term absentees Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal.

Here’s how Real Madrid could line up against Barcelona as they aim to win their third trophy of the season, after having won the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.

Defence

Andriy Lunin has been the designated cup goalkeeper throughout the season and has done a solid job to help Real Madrid reach the finals. However, Carlo Ancelotti is all set to replace the Ukrainina with his regular first-choice starter Thibaut Courtois in the finale vs Barcelona.

Meanwhile, there will be some alterations to the defensive line starting with Ferland Mendy returning to the side after over a month out due to injury. He will start at left-back ahead of Fran Garcia.

Ferland Mendy set to return. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Raul Asencio and Antonio Rudiger should form the centre-back pairing for the Merengues.

Federico Valverde, on the other hand, should start at right-back over Lucas Vazquez, who has struggled defensively in the big games this season, particularly against Barcelona’s Raphinha.

Midfield

Carlo Ancelotti has a major decision to make with his formation and there is a strong likelihood that he opts for an extra man in midfield by sacrificing a forward – which has been his go-to tactic for big games in recent times.

Aurelien Tchouameni will hold the fort at the base of the diamond midfield formation for Real Madrid.

The Frenchman will have support from captain Luka Modric and Dani Ceballos who will provide the creativity and balance from the centre of the park.

Moving ahead, Jude Bellingham will slot in as the lone attacking midfielder, hoping to find the back of the net like he did in the Clasico encounters last season.

Attack

Kylian Mbappe has been included in the matchday squad for the Copa del Rey final but multiple outlets report that the French megastar is not fully fit and as such a start appears unlikely tonight.

As such, Real Madrid are likely to go into the match against Barcelona with the attacking duo of Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo Goes, who will hold the key for the current Spanish champions.