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11 months ago
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The age-old rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid continues to be one of football’s biggest spectacles.
When the two titans square off, it is more than just a contest for three points—it is a struggle for domination, bragging rights, and the preservation of long-standing identities.
But tonight’s encounter will be further amplified with more than just pride at stake, as the victors will also take home the Spanish Super Cup trophy.
Barça managed to triumph over Osasuna with a 2-0 scoreline in the semi-finals, while Real Madrid defeated Atletico Madrid with a win in extra time.
Now, facing off in the final, the coaches of both teams head into this encounter with massive expectations mounting on their shoulders.
Team news
The most glaring absence for Barcelona comes in goal, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen still busy recovering from his back injury.
Marcos Alonso’s absence is also guaranteed, as the Spaniard is recovering from a similar ailment in his back.
Barcelona will additionally be without one of their best performers this season, Joao Cancelo. The Portuguese was included in the Super Cup squad list and travelled with the team to Riyadh, but has not made a full recovery yet.
Although Inigo Martinez is also listed as part of the squad list, after sustaining a thigh injury against UD Barbastro recently, his presence is also in doubt.
As such, it is expected that Xavi Hernandez will repeat his back-line from the previous encounter, which consisted of the infamous ‘BACK’, Alejandro Balde, Andreas Christensen, Ronald Araujo, and Jules Kounde.
Meanwhile, in midfield, Barcelona are also set to be barren of Gavi’s inclusion, as the young star suffered a season-ending ACL injury with the Spanish National Team.
After his bright performance in the last Clasico, his absence comes across as a blow.
However, the Catalan giants can take solace in knowing that Pedri Gonzalez is back up and running.
The Canary Islander featured off the bench against Osasuna and dropped jaws with his poise on the pitch. Having shaken off the rust, a place in the starting XI is foreseen.
Up front, Barça are anticipated to be without Raphinha, who suffered a hamstring injury against Osasuna and was replaced by Lamine Yamal.
No Raphinha is a huge blow for Barcelona. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
With Robert Lewandowski and Yamal predicted to start, it will be interesting to see who Xavi opts for to accompany them.
Prediction
Barcelona’s form this season has paled in comparison to their eternal rivals, with the team lagging behind in the league standings and even faltering in the most recent Clasico.
However, the Catalan giants have started the second half of the season well, winning all three games and heading into this clash in high spirits.
Moreover, in a Clasico, especially in a final, it all boils down to which team can maintain composure under the heightened pressure.
With Lewandowski reconciling with the back of the net, the talented midfield trio of Pedri, Ilkay Gundogan, and Frenkie de Jong expected to start, and the back line consisting of dependable individuals, Barcelona are well placed to emerge victorious.
Real Madrid will not make it easy, though, especially as they can hurt Barça in transition with the Catalans devoid of a natural ball winner.
Still, with the tools at Xavi’s disposal and their record in the previous Super Cup final, we predict a late 3-2 win for Barcelona in extra time.
