By Karl Matchett
The one workforce you possibly can’t lose to
Whereas the assembly of Barcelona and Actual Madrid is neither a brand new phenomenon nor an rare one with regards to doling out silverware, it does stay one of many sport’s nice spectacles. Midweek lineups from each groups attests to such, with some modifications in place as every secured a slender win in LaLiga.
It’s Barcelona who will really feel they’ve comfortably the higher hand with regards to having fun with the higher 2024/25 season, however that will solely imply Actual go all out right here to make sure this cup goes again to the capital. With the Supercopa received, prime spot within the league being held and European success nonetheless a risk, it might show an extremely memorable marketing campaign for Hansi Flick and his facet. For Carlo Ancelotti, then, the subsequent month or so should be about attempting to safe a home double earlier than a possible exit – beginning with this last.
Each side have elite assaults, but look precarious in defence at instances. Taking part in to their strengths may then see Saturday’s 90 minutes be some of the engaging of the yr – if tempers or officiating don’t get in the best way.
Current kind
Apart from a second-leg defeat in Europe to Dortmund, Barcelona have been relentless: 27 video games for the reason that flip of the yr, 4 attracts and simply that one loss. In any other case, it’s wins all the best way to place them within the driving seat in league phrases and favourites elsewhere. Actual Madrid have misplaced three and received three within the final six, alternatively. Large video games have too typically handed them by when in earlier years, kind meant nothing they usually’d elevate their sport. It received’t have gone unnoticed by Barcelona, who trounced them within the Supercopa last after all.
Workforce information
Barcelona’s huge current miss is Robert Lewandowski, who has a hamstring damage. Alejandro Balde and Marc-André ter Stegen stay out too.
Kylian Mbappé faces a race to be match after an ankle damage for Actual Madrid, with Ferland Mendy additionally nonetheless on the comeback path however pushing for involvement quickly. Éder Militão, Dani Carvajal and Eduardo Camavinga are all out.
Key participant
With Lewandowski out, look to maybe participant of the season Raphinha to take the lead for Barca in a scoring and a creating capability. The Brazilian has been wonderful and in his final 9 appearances has six objectives and 5 assists. On a longer-term capability he ranks increased than 97% of comparable gamers in Europe’s prime leagues during the last yr for possibilities created, than 98% for pictures taken and than 99% for objectives scored. A powerful marketing campaign no matter whether or not he’s taking part in proper, left or centrally behind the No. 9.
Prediction
Barcelona to make it two trophies from two in an event-filled encounter: Barcelona 4-2 Actual Madrid.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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