Introduction
Copa Del Rey (formerly known as Copa Del Generalismo), the tournament where we saw some shocking results over the years, has now reached its final stage. After 126 teams, 8 rounds of play, and a season full of entertainment, we are just left with 2 teams. On one Corner, we have the mighty Blaugranas, who has dominated this trophy for ages. On the other corner, we have Los Leones, the most consistent and competitive side in Spain. The two heavy star-studded teams are ahead to battle it out for the Spanish Cup Dominance.
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Why to watch the CDR Final
Copa Del Rey has completed over 119 seasons since its inception. Athletic-Barcelona clash is one of the oldest clashes in Spanish Football History, hence is called Catalan-Basque Classico. These two teams are very tough competitors of each other whenever they met. We have seen reds have shown, passionate fans, and too much aggression between these two squads over the years. This game is a stake of their pride and battle over the years, and without the fans, it will be a much passionate battle between the players. The CDR Final is hyped all across social media across Spain, even in India. So it is going to be a bonanza for football fans around the world.
Head To Head
The Athletic-Barcelona Classico has been known to the world as the Basques lead their squad against the Catalans. It has always been a tough contest when these two sides have met since the beginning of Spanish Football, with Barcelona dominating the Lions with 37 wins in 58 games. Bilbao only won it 13 times against them, but always has provided a tough challenge for them. The last time this teamed faced CDR was in the Quarter Finals of 2019/20 season, where Bilbao won 1-0. Lions have a worthy opponent to Blaugranas in League Cup and Super-Cup in recent years. So, it is going to be an eye-grasping and seat-grabbing encounter, so sit back and enjoy this beautiful Classics of the game.
Team Preview
Barcelona
The Success of Copa Del Rey over and over the years has made FC Barcelona the club they are now. Winning the trophy 30 times and being the only times successful in winning it. Catalans are have a good season this year, rather better than their previous season, 3rd in the league and finalist of the Spanish Cup. Losing to Valencia in their last CDR Final, Barcelona will look to capture this final and might want to win their 31st Spanish Cup, their first trophy since 2 years. Lionel Messi is on a verge to leave this cub and might want to show his last Maestro performance as a Barcelona Captain. The players might want to give him a farewell with at least a trophy in hand.
Form: – WWWWL
Players to Watch Out for
Pedri
The Player to watch out for will be the youngster Pedri Gonzalez Lopez. This playmaking master kid will come in handy in starting half to make play inside highly compact defence of Bilbao. This Player has started a few times and created impact in lot of goals in League matches and League Cup Games. Giving 2 assists in the Copa Del Rey, he is the guy which can help Barcelona through.
Frenkie De Jong
Another player to watch out for will be Frenkie De Jong, this midfielder has been the key for most chances created in the opposition half, and the touches he makes are very beneficial for Barcelona in the attacking half. Scoring 2 goals in this league Cup, he can be a Game Changer for the Catalans.
Team News
Gerard Pique set to return in the Copa Del Rey Final says the reports. Koeman wants Messi to play his exceptional well and wants a clash between Messi vs Muniain. Barcelona will enter this tournament hungry for the 31st trophy, says the source.
Predicted XI:-
GK: – Ter Stegen
Defence: – Lenglet Mingueza/ Pique Araujo
Midfield: – Alba De jong Busquets Dest
Attack: – Pedri Griezmann Messi
Atletico Club Bilbao
In Domestic League Cups, Bilbao has provided a steady record in their recent season. Winning this Cup 23 times, they are just 2nd successful team in this race of most Copas. Bilbao lost their last final against La Real 1-0, so they want to avenge their loss in this final against Barcelona. Being quite steady in the league standing 11th, they will look to being in the Europa League next season by winning this trophy.
Form: – LDDDD.
Players to Watch out for
Iker Muniain
The player to keep an eye on will be Iker Muniain, this goal-scoring attacker is also helpful in the defense for the Lions and will be a key player for the Bilbao attack. Giving 3 assists this tournament; he can prove his opponents a threat in the final.
Inaki Williams
Also, the Spaniard we might keep a track of is Inaki Williams, his dribbles and sharp passes might help in the counter and a little run might help in attack to crush through their defense. His pace might be something opponents need to counter. Scoring just one goal this season, he will be the player to watch out for Bilbao
Team News
Marcelino wants Messi to have an off-night ahead of this Final. Also might have interest in some clashes tonight. All main players are fit and fine to face Barcelona.
Predicted XI
GK: – Unai Simon
Defenders: – Lekue Balenziaga Nunez Capa
Midfield: – Morcillo Dani Berenguer Munain
Attackers: – Villalibre Williams
Conclusion
This Athletic-Barcelona Classico is the most awaited event in Spanish football and what can be better than a Copa Del Rey Final to hype up this contest. We are expecting a lot of entertainment from this crackerjack of a contest and will hopefully be a [ower-packed game of football.
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