Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey -closing collision against Barcelona had all the ingredients in a classic showdown: pride, history and cutlery at stake. In addition to the fact that Kylian Mbappe – the club is Topscores and marker star – Had started the match on the bench. Thus, the reigning La Liga winner was forced to meet Barcelona without its most deadly weapons in the field.
What followed revealed the tactical sensors in Carlo Ancelotti, a struggling Brazilian forward and the brutal reality of football with high efforts.
The final itself was already complicated by large absence on both sides. Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowskitheir leaderexcluded with a thigh injury and forced Xavi to turn to Ferran Torres as a compensation in the attack. On Madrid’s side, the absence of Mbappe was criticized from start XI to an unknown tactical decision.
Carlo Ancelotti chose to field a Two-man attack with Vinicius junior and rodrygoreinforced by an extra midfielder in Dani Ceballos to solidify the middle of the pitch.
As Kickoff approached, there was little clarity. Mbappe had competed against time to regain fitness after Spraining its right ankle under Madrid’s Champions League -Quart Loss to Arsenal. During the days leading up to the final, Ancelotti suggested on Mbappe’s accessibility but remained vague. “He could be available,” Ancelotti said mid week and added to forward “Was to do everything to be ready to help the team.” But when it mattered, he did not consider himself suitable enough to start.
What did Carlo Ancelotti say about Mbappe after Copa del Rey Final?
It wasn’t until after the match that Carlo Ancelotti finally lifted the veil. Italian with reporters explained the Italian his choice to bench the French superstar: “He wasn’t up to play 90 minutes, and I preferred to have him during the second half when the game’s rhythm loses a bit, ”The Italian boss revealed. “He played well and scored a goal.”
Mbappe’s fitness problemIn combination with the estimated need for fresh firepower later in the game, Ancelotti’s decision ran. The plan was to release him when Barcelona’s energy was flagged – a game that almost paid off.
Adding more drama to the night, Rodry’s catastrophic first half Made Ancelotti’s half -time decision inevitably. The Brazilian wing was completely ineffective, with critics describing his performance as “sadly” and “Null”.
The Brazilian bad show got Ancelotti to turn to Mbappe earlier than perhaps originally intended. The Frenchman entered half time to replace Rodrygo and immediately injected pace, danger and hope in Madrid’s sluggish attack.
Mbappe’s Heroics almost turns the tide
Although they carry the remains of an ankle damage, Mbappe changed the momentum of the match. In the 70th minute, he served and converted a free kick to smooth the points at 1-1 and gnawed noise from Madrid Trofast. Minutes later, Madrid even seized a 2-1 leadApparently on the verge of securing the Copa trophy.
However, Barcelona, led by Ferran Torres and a definite midfield, gatheredequalizing late to force extra time. During the added period, Madrid’s tired legs could not match Barcelona’s fresher reserves, and the Catalans dressed a 3-2 victory – Their third Clasico -Shager over Madrid this season. In the meantime, Mbappe had given everything he had, but his fitness restrictions became clear when the match was on.
