Both Barcelona and Real Madrid will arrive in Seville for the Copa del Rey final with considerable injury issues, but Hansi Flick and Carlo Ancelotti are approaching the situation differently.
Carlo Ancelotti is faced with late selection decisions with two players still in a race against time, while Hansi Flick seems to have a starting line-up, despite the absence of several key names.
Real Madrid added another casualty to their injury list on Wednesday night when David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga joined Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal.
Ancelotti expects Ferland Mendy and Kylian Mbappe to be available, but is said to be uncertain about two positions with just 72 hours to go.
Barcelona are missing Robert Lewandowski, Alejandro Balde, and young players, Marc Casado and Marc Bernal.
Terrific goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen is back in the matchday squad but might not start, meaning Wojciech Szczęsny will retain his place.
Barcelona set to roll the dice with risky tactical gamble ahead of Copa del Rey final.
Mundo Deportivo reports that, Hansi Flick made some bold decisions in terms of his starting XI, most notably starting Dani Olmo instead of the expected Fermín López.
It looks like the German is prioritizing creativity over defensive work rate, with Olmo joining his countryman Pedri and Frenkie de Jong in midfield.
Gerard Martín at left-back might start, meaning Jules Koundé, Pau Cubarsí, and Iñigo Martínez will line up with him.
In front, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal will support Ferran Torres, they will have a big job to do in Robert Lewandowski’s absence.
Gavi and Fermín contribute greater defensive work rate, but Flick has gone for Olmo’s incisive passing and movement when attacking, taking a risk that could dictate Barcelona’s attacking performance this evening.
With Torres’ pressing likely to make up for Lewandowski’s movement and pressing through the middle, Flick seems confident he can get at Real Madrid’s shaky backline.
As time winds down, both coaches will be examining each other’s line-ups, but Flick’s ability to trust Olmo in a match like this could be the difference for what is sure to be a hotly contested El Clásico final.
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