Gala XI! Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Confirmed Lineups - Copa del Rey Final 24-25

OFFICIAL: The starting formations of Hansi Flick's FC Barcelona and Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid for the 2024/25 Copa del Rey final are now confirmed. With the aim of completing the first step towards the treble and lifting the 32nd trophy in the history of His Majesty's competition.

FC Barcelona's starting lineup against Real Madrid

Dani Olmo, celebrating his goal against Mallorca

Hansi Flick introduces up to five changes compared to the XI against Mallorca. The most notable is the return of Koundé to the right side, while Gerard Martín returns to the lineup in place of Héctor Fort. In the center of the defense, Pau Cubarsí will once again be partnered by Iñigo Martínez.

Similarly, Frenkie de Jong will take Gavi's place as pivot. Pedri and Dani Olmo complete the midfield, while Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Ferran Torres form the attacking trident.

Barça's starting XI (OFFICIAL):

• Tactical note: Koundé is the right back. Cubarsí and Iñigo form as center backs and Gerard Martín is the left back. Raphinha is the left winger and Ferran, center forward. Although many changes are expected in attack, thanks to the mobility of Dani Olmo.

1. (#25, P) Szczesny
2. (#23) Koundé
3. (#02) Pau Cubarsí
4. (#05) Iñigo Martínez
5. (#35), Gerard Martín
6. (#21) Frenkie de Jong
7. (#08) Pedri
8. (#20) Dani Olmo
9. (#19) Lamine Yamal
10. (#11) Raphinha
11. (#07) Ferran Torres

Barça's bench (substitute players):

1. (#01) Ter Stegen
2. (#13, P) Iñaki Peña
3. (#04) Ronald Araujo
4. (#06) Gavi
5. (#10) Ansu Fati
6. (#14) Pablo Torre
7. (#15) Andreas Christensen
8. (#16) Fermín López
9. (#18) Pau Víctor
10. (#24) Eric García
11. (#31, P) Kochen
12. (#32) Héctor Fort

Barça's injured players:

1. (#03) Alejandro Balde
2. (#09) Robert Lewandowski
3. (#17) Marc Casadó
4. (#28) Marc Bernal

Barça's sanctioned players:

1. None (no sanctioned players)

How do Hansi Flick's changes affect Barcelona's scheme?

Hansi Flick is once again betting on his gala XI for the final stretch of 24-25. We analyze them:

Goalkeeper and defense:

• A consolidated defense: Koundé returns to the right side after a well-deserved day of rest. Pau Cubarsí will accompany Iñigo Martínez in the center of the defense. Gerard Martín also returns to the starting eleven, in place of Héctor Fort.

Midfield:

• Frenkie de Jong returns and Gavi will be on the bench. Flick also keeps Dani Olmo in the attacking midfield. The Terrassa native has been fundamental in the last two games, scoring against Celta and Mallorca.

Forward:

• In the offensive trident, Ferran Torres will start, in place of the injured Lewandowski, alongside Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.

• The '7' remains as a reference in the area and seeks to consolidate himself as the top scorer in the Copa del Rey. At the moment, he has 5 goals in 4 games, the same as Endrick Felipe, a substitute this Saturday at La Cartuja. The 'Shark' already reaches 17 goals in the season.

• Raphinha, again, will be the left winger, with Lamine on the right and Ferran as '9'. In the center of the field, Pedri and Olmo will be the creative footballers of the team, giving mobility and clarity to the Azulgrana game.

Real Madrid's starting lineup against FC Barcelona

• Real Madrid's starting XI: Courtois; Lucas Vázquez, Asencio, Rüdiger, Ferland Mendy; Dani Ceballos, Tchouaméni, Fede Valverde, Jude Bellingham; Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr.

• Real Madrid's bench: Lunin (P), Fran González (P), Fran García, Alaba, Vallejo, Gonzalo García, Luka Modric, Arda Güler, Brahim, Endrick, Mbappé.

For his part, Carlo Ancelotti has made several tweaks to his lineup. The absence of Kylian Mbappé stands out, a substitute due to his discomfort in his right ankle, as well as the return of Ferland Mendy to the left side.

Lucas Vázquez also remains in the XI as right back, while Dani Ceballos will accompany Tchouaméni as a double pivot. Fede Valverde and Jude Bellingham complete the midfield, with Rodrygo and Vinicius up front.

Sensitive Absences: Who are the injured Barça players against Mallorca?

Lewandowski misses the game against Mallorca due to injury

The injuries of Alejandro Balde, Marc Casadó, Marc Bernal and Robert Lewandowski pose a significant challenge for FC Barcelona in this decisive stretch of the season. Below, we detail the individual impact of each absence on Hansi Flick's team.

Robert Lewandowski (Starting center forward)

The Polish striker, without a doubt, will be the team's most sensitive absence to face Mallorca. Lewandowski was injured in the League match against Celta on Saturday, April 19.

• Impact: After scoring 25 goals in the 32 LaLiga games played so far, and although the '9' could not shake the nets against Betis (1-1), Leganés (0-1) and Celta (4-3), his presence in the area is key to freeing up spaces for Lamine and Raphinha, who lose their main reference.

• Consequences: In principle, 'Lewy' will be out for around two or three weeks, which would mean he would miss the Cup final against Real Madrid and the first leg of the Champions League 'semis' against Inter Milan. .

Alejandro Balde (Starting left back)

• Impact: Balde provides depth, speed and overflow on the left wing. His absence, although important, has been partially covered by Gerard Martín, who has performed correctly in defense and attack.

• Consequences: The team loses offensive capacity and surprise on that side, although defensive solidity is maintained. According to recent analysis, Balde's absence is significant but, of the current absences, it is the one that has the least impact thanks to the performance of his replacement.

Marc Casadó (Defensive midfielder)

• Impact: Casadó, a regular in the midfield rotation, suffered a partial ligament tear and will be out for two months, probably missing the rest of the season.

• Consequences: His absence reduces refreshment options in the defensive pivot, especially when Flick needs to rotate or close games. The squad has alternatives, but Casadó's absence limits the depth in a key area, especially given the accumulation of minutes and the risk of sanctions or injuries to other midfielders.

Marc Bernal (Midfielder, midfielder)

• Impact: Bernal, one of the revelations of the youth academy, suffered a serious knee injury (anterior cruciate ligament tear) and says goodbye to the season.

• Consequences: His absence deprives the team of a physical and tactical profile that had provided balance and energy in the center of the field. Bernal was a valuable alternative for physically demanding matches and his absence forces Flick to rely more on experienced players or to advance the progression of other young players.

In summary, the absences of Balde, Casadó, Bernal and Lewandowski force Flick to rethink his strategy for the Copa del Rey final. Defensive solidity and creativity in midfield are affected, but the team is confident in the depth of its squad to overcome this challenge.

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