Hansi Flick’s Barcelona are closing in on a possible quadruple this season however blocking their path are everlasting rivals Real Madrid. Although the Catalan giants, additionally within the Champions League semi-finals, are extensively thought of the most effective workforce in Spain in the mean time, Carlo Ancelotti’s faltering Los Blancos may declare each home titles nonetheless on the road. Madrid path leaders Barca by 4 factors in La Liga, with one other Clasico to return in May, however first the Spanish giants butt heads in Seville on Saturday within the Copa del Rey last.
Flick’s Barcelona have emphatically bested Madrid on the 2 prior events they’ve met this season, first successful 4-0 in La Liga on the Santiago Bernabeu in October.
Then Barca dismantled Madrid within the Spanish Super Cup last in Saudi Arabia in January, roaring to a 5-2 victory to assert the primary trophy of the Flick period.
Barcelona outplayed Madrid in each video games however their German coach had nothing however reward for his Italian counterpart.
“Real Madrid has an unbelievable workforce and the most effective coaches on the earth… He (Ancelotti) has gained all the things,” mentioned Flick on Tuesday.
“He’s a gentleman… I’ve the very best respect.
“On Saturday, we play the ultimate in opposition to Real Madrid and naturally in opposition to Carlo.”
Ancelotti might want to discover methods to close down Pedri in midfield in addition to dynamic wingers Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.
Madrid have misplaced 12 matches this season, in comparison with simply two throughout all competitions within the earlier marketing campaign.
Barcelona breezed previous Real Betis and edged Atletico Madrid on the best way to the ultimate at La Cartuja stadium, their first since 2021, once they beat Athletic Bilbao.
Real Madrid, who final gained the trophy in 2023, wanted an extra-time objective from Antonio Rudiger to beat Real Sociedad 5-4 on combination within the semi-finals.
After Madrid’s Champions League elimination by Arsenal earlier this month they’re determined to beat Barcelona and declare some silverware in addition to restoring their satisfaction.
Both sides have misplaced essential gamers within the run-up to the sport.
Barcelona are with out prime goalscorer Robert Lewandowski and left-back Alejandro Balde, whereas Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga was dominated out for the remainder of the season on Thursday with a groin damage.
French celebrity Kylian Mbappe missed Madrid’s nervy 1-0 win at Getafe on Wednesday as he recovers from an ankle downside, however Ancelotti mentioned he’s anticipated to be match to face Barca.
‘Anything can occur’
Mbappe was whistled by Madrid followers throughout their win over Athletic Bilbao final weekend when his face appeared on the screens on the Bernabeu and he’ll hoping to carry his first main trophy with the membership, following European Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup wins.
When Madrid have lined up with Mbappe alongside Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo typically the workforce suffers on the again.
“Maybe they’re the favourites, however a last is a last and something can occur,” mentioned Ancelotti.
“We must defend properly and I’m satisfied that we’ll defend properly and have alternatives in assault.”
Barcelona will seemingly line up with Gerard Martin at left-back changing Balde, which is an space Madrid can exploit, maybe by way of Rodrygo, though the Brazilian has not scored in his final 11 matches.
“On a statistical stage he has to play as a result of if he isn’t scored in all that point, properly he has to in the end,” joked Ancelotti.
“In these sort of matches he all the time scores and I imagine in him fully.”
Rodrygo netted each objectives as Madrid beat Osasuna to win the Copa del Rey two years in the past, the membership’s twentieth.
Barcelona are the all-time file winners on 31 triumphs, forward of present holders Athletic Bilbao on 24, with Madrid third.
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