Real Madrid’s European exit this season has left a bitter taste, especially for striker Kylian Mbappe and manager Carlo Ancelotti. However, clinching victory in the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona on Saturday would significantly alleviate the hurt.
Los Blancos suffered a staggering 5-1 aggregate defeat to Arsenal in the Champions League earlier in April, while their rivals Barca advanced to the semi-finals for the first time since 2019.
Barcelona are eyeing a potential quadruple, and for Madrid, foiling that dream could be just as satisfying as lifting the trophy themselves.
The Catalans’ captivating attacking play has seen them rise to the top of La Liga, leading Madrid by four points with five matches left to play.
Following two disappointing losses in their recent Clasicos, 4-0 at home in La Liga and 5-2 in the Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia, Madrid must find their stride in Seville.
If Ancelotti can disrupt Barcelona’s flow, it would serve him well as the two teams are set to clash again on 11 May in a crucial title decider.
Despite amassing 33 goals this season across all competitions, some view Mbappe as the face of a disheartening and potentially disastrous campaign.
Last weekend, when his image appeared on screens at Santiago Bernabeu, some fans responded with whistles. However, such reactions are not uncommon at Madrid; even their legendary scorers, like Cristiano Ronaldo, have faced similar treatment.
Last year, Madrid celebrated a La Liga and Champions League double before adding Mbappe, a player they had long pursued.
Yet, Ancelotti has struggled all season to integrate Mbappe without compromising the team’s balance.
The issue becomes even more pronounced when the coach deploys all four of his attacking stars – Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo.
‘Challenging to strike a balance’
Ancelotti might consider a different approach in the Copa del Rey final, particularly after Barcelona scored nine goals in their two encounters this season.
The Italian is widely anticipated to depart at the end of the season, despite having another year left on his contract. However, ending his tenure at Madrid with one or possibly two additional trophies would be an ideal finale to a largely successful second term.
Mbappe’s recent ankle injury might provide Ancelotti with a justification to start the match without the Frenchman, using him as an impactful substitute in the later stages.
Nonetheless, Mbappe netted both of Madrid’s goals in their January loss in Saudi Arabia and, despite the recent booing from certain fans, he has been one of the standout performers this season – omitting him from the starting lineup could be too perilous.
Ancelotti mentioned on Tuesday that he expects the forward to be fit for the match, noting that he trained on Thursday.
“We’ve adjusted our style a little; we have players with varying attributes, and it’s been challenging to achieve balance,” said Ancelotti this week.
“If we can find that balance, we have a strong chance of winning.”
Rodrygo is the player most likely to be benched if Ancelotti opts to add an extra midfielder for greater control.
Since midfield maestro Toni Kroos hung up his boots last summer, Madrid have struggled to assert dominance in matches, and significant injuries to Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, and others have weakened the backline.
With Ancelotti’s future uncertain and a title on the line, he may be tempted to deviate from his “fantastic four” as he seeks redemption for Madrid’s season.
This could be the only short-term solution, as underlying squad issues remain.
“We deliver a lot of crosses, but this year we lack a Joselu, a natural centre-forward,” lamented goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois following the defeat to Arsenal.
The fact that Madrid boast some of the world’s most renowned forwards yet miss the services of the former Stoke City and current Al Gharafa target man encapsulates the situation.
Addressing squad issues is crucial this summer, alongside Ancelotti’s future, but for now, securing a win against Barcelona, in any form, would provide much-needed relief.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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