Barcelona Clasico Copa final offers Mbappe, Real redemption

REAL Madrid’s European failure this season stung, in particular for striker Kylian Mbappe and coach Carlo Ancelotti, but a Copa del Rey final victory over Barcelona on Saturday would rapidly ease the pain.

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Los Blancos crashed out of the Champions League 5-1 on aggregate against Arsenal earlier in April, while their arch-rivals Barca progressed to the semi-finals for the first time since 2019.

The Catalans are dreaming of a potential quadruple, and Madrid may take as much satisfaction in ending that possibility as in lifting the cup themselves.

Barcelona’s thrilling attacking football has also powered them to first place in La Liga, four points ahead of defending champions Madrid, with five matches remaining.

After two humbling defeats in the prior Clasicos this season, 4-0 at home in La Liga and 5-2 in Saudi Arabia in the Spanish Super Cup final, Madrid need to hit the right notes in Seville.

If Ancelotti can find the formula to throw off Barcelona’s rhythm, it would prove doubly useful as the teams meet again on May 11 in a huge clash in the title race.

Despite netting 33 goals this season across all competitions, Madrid’s top scorer, to some Mbappe has become the face of a disappointing, and potentially disastrous, season.