New Delhi: The defending champions Real Madrid are set to lock horns with arch-rivals Barcelona in the Super Spanish Cup. The El Clasico fierce foes have competed in the last two editions, winning one each, and Los Blancos are aiming to level with the Catalans on 14 triumphs in the competition with victory.
Barcelona thrashed Madrid in El Clasico earlier in the season 4-1, which will likely plague Carlo Ancelotti’s side’s minds. Both teams are on winning streaks this season and will be expecting a tough fight in Jeddah to add another feather to their caps.
But before the action kicks off, let’s take a look at key battles that could decide the result of El Clasico.
Kylian Mbappe vs Pau Cubarsi
Kylian Mbappe celebrating after scoring for Real Madrid. (Image via @realmadrid ‘X’)
Kylian Mbappe must have moved on from his Clasico debut memories. Barcelona outplayed Madrid completely both in defence and attack. The 26-year-old endured a rotten evening from which he struggled to recover, but he recently found his form back, having scored five goals in December to silence his critics. The No.9 will look to carry on the same form into the new year as he plans to seek vengeance tonight.
Pau Cubasi will be having a daunting task at his hands again. The 17-year-old outplayed Mbappe in his debut Clasico but could be at the receiving end of that vigour in Jeddah. The teenager has earned respect for himself on the pitch and is now growing increasingly familiar with what is expected in such crucial fixtures.
Well, keeping Mbappe quiet is a big feat and Cubarsi was successful in achieving the same in the last Clasico and will be hopeful of another off day for the World Cup winner. Inigo Martinez needs to provide support from centre-back to help Cubarsi stop Mbappe.
Jude Bellingham vs Marc Casado
Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 21, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Jude Bellingham after hitting a rough patch in the start of the season, has come roaring back with seven goals to his name in nine fixtures in December. He has rediscovered his form at the right time for Madrid in the season.
The 21-year-old will pose a great threat as he has already scored in both El Clasico and La Liga meetings with stoppage-time goals during his debut. Though at that time Barca lacked heavily in a defensive midfielder, now the Catalans have made a fierce addition of Marc Casado.
Casado will bear great responsibility as he has to stop Bellingham from scoring something similar to what he did in the October Clasico. The 21-year-old crunched him into tackles and hoovered up the ground, impressively limiting the space for Bellingham’s threat.
It remains uncertain whether Casado can stop Bellingham or if Bellingham will surpass him. Time will reveal the outcome, but one thing is certain: it will be an intriguing clash between these two young talents.
Ferland Mendy vs Lamine Yamal
Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring their side’s first goal during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Athletic Club at Camp Nou. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Ferland Mandy had a difficult first half of the season, even losing his starting left-back position at the end of last year. Although he got to start for Madrid in the last two of three fixtures, he will be expecting to start tonight.
The Frenchman performed brilliantly in the semi-finals against Mallorca, keeping a clean sheet and completing more passes than any of his teammates. Mendy performed well, but in the final, he will need to lock horns with Barca’s young gun Lamine Yamal.
The 17-year-old, after returning from an injury break, is already flying high as he even scored in the semi-finals against Athletic Club and looked sharp after the much-needed break. Mendy delivered a shocking performance against Yamal in the most recent encounter, conceding four and looked consistently overwhelmed in October.
The 29-year-old defender will need to keep the winger under control and help his side claim the crown for a 14th time, levelling the tally with arch-rivals Barcelona.
Aurelien Tchouameni vs Robert Lewandowski
Robert Lewandowski celebrating after scoring a stunning goal for Barcelona against Getafe. (Image via Getty Images)
Robert Lewandowski was the star of the first face-off earlier this season as he scored a brace to help Barca take the lead over Madrid. The difference between the two goals was just two minutes, and the Poland international created havoc for Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao, which even got Militao sidelined for the rest of the season so far.
David Alaba has to make a comeback from a long-term lay-off after suffering a cruciate ligament tear. Aurelien Tchouameni in defensive midfield is fine after a knock to the head and will be handed the challenging task of stopping Lewandowski from scoring goals by Ancelotti.
The French international has excelled as a centre-back, even though it isn’t his favoured position. Tchouameni will need to pull himself together, and Ancelotti will need to offer him added motivation, considering the damage the 36-year-old caused at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Discover the key battles set to shape the El Clasico Super Spanish Cup final as Real Madrid and Barcelona clash to level or extend their trophy tallies. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
