Real Madrid vs. Barcelona: Lineups
After all the speculation about the health of Barca’s defense, Marc Bartra’s hamstring is well enough to allow him to start in the Copa del Rey final.
Lineups are out for the final Clásico of the season as Real Madrid and Barcelona meet for the third time. On the line in this meeting is the Copa del Rey trophy, likely Barca’s last chance at silverware, and Madrid’s first step towards a possible treble.
Carlo Ancelotti's starting 11 contains no surprises as he chases his first trophy as Madrid head coach. With Cristano Ronaldo and Marcelo injured, Isco starts in the attack, while Fabio Coentrão takes over at fullback. It's essentially Madrid's strongest available lineup, unless you feel that playing Diego López over Iker Casillas would have been a better move.
The big story leading up to Wendeday's final has been Barcelona defensive problems, but Marc Barta has managed to recover enough from his hamstring injury to return to the lineup. That's good news for Barca fans. Despite having Pedro and Alexis Sánchez available, Tata is sticking with Cesc Fàbregas, again playing him as a false nine with Lionel Messi moved outside.
Real Madrid (4-3-3): Iker Casillas, Fabio Coentrão, Pepe, Sergio Ramos, Dani Carvajal; Ángel di María, Xabi Alonso, Luka Modrić; Isco, Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale
Barcelona (4-3-3): José Manuel Pinto; Jordi Alba, Javier Mascherano, Marc Bartra, Dani Alves; Sergio Busquets, Xavi, Andrés Iniesta; Neymar, Cesc Fàbregas, Lionel Messi
