It’s finally arrived! The Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and Barcelona is played tonight and you can get all the updates here on Realmadridnews, with our two editors having travelled to Valencia to cover the match.
But first, let’s look at what the Madrid press is saying this morning. Marca and AS both have an air of confidence about them, suggesting Real Madrid have what it takes to beat their arch-rivals. Los Blancos have lost twice to Los Cules this season in La Liga, but the Copa del Rey could be a defining game for both clubs.
A win for Madrid would ensure a first trophy for Carlo Ancelotti and would kick off their bid to win the treble this season. Defeat for Barcelona would most likely guarantee the departure of Tata Martino after a disappointing season by their standards. Even a win for Los Cules may not be enough to save the Argentine.
In a poll by Marca readers, seven Real Madrid players were picked in a combined starting eleven of the players available tonight – Casillas, Pepe, Ramos, Modric, Alonso, Isco and Bale. Barcelona were represented by Alba, Alves, Iniesta and Messi – perhaps showing fans are leaning more towards a Madrid win too.
Finally, Spain boss Vicente del Bosque has called for a clean game between the two rivals. Los Clasicos have had some ugly scenes in the past with refereeing decisions being more spoken about than the football. And del Bosque said he was to see an exciting game, played in the right spirit and manner.
