The grand finale of the Copa del Rey will commence in less than 12 hours as Real Madrid get set to battle CA Osasuna at Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville.
The prestigious King’s Cup has eluded the grasp of the mighty Merengues for nearly a decade now, but manager Carlo Ancelotti is hellbent on clinching the trophy that he last won during his first spell with the club.
Triumph tonight would cement an historic moment for Real Madrid under Ancelotti’s guidance since his homecoming last year, making up for their shortcomings in La Liga this campaign.
With their Champions League semi-final clash against Manchester City lurking, Los Blancos will be desperate to add the Copa del Rey to their cabinet before shifting their focus to Pep Guardiola’s men.
In a boost to Ancelotti’s aspirations, David Alaba and Luka Modric have shaken off their injuries and look poised to feature against Osasuna.
While Modric may be preserved for Tuesday’s mammoth European tie, Alaba should slot straight into the heart of defence alongside Eder Militao, relegating Antonio Rudiger to the bench.
Real Madrid’s 2023 Copa Del Rey Starting XI
Between the sticks, Thibaut Courtois will be crucial if Real Madrid are to clinch their first Copa del Rey title in nine years.
At right-back, Dani Carvajal is a shoo-in, whereas the left flank could see Eduardo Camavinga fill in for the sidelined Ferland Mendy once more.
In midfield, the energetic Federico Valverde and metronomic Toni Kroos are certainties, with either Dani Ceballos or Aurelien Tchouameni vying for the final spot.
The sizzling front three of Karim Benzema, Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr effectively pick themselves.
Substitutes
From the dugout, Ancelotti has a glut of game-changers at his disposal should things not go to script.
Marco Asencio and Modric would inject guile and experience, while Tchouameni and Rudiger provide defensive solidity if required.
Nacho Fernandez offers another safe pair of hands from the bench.
Copa del Rey Final: Real Madrid’s Shot at Redemption
With destiny in their own hands, Real Madrid have the chance to make history under the Seville night sky. But Osasuna won’t roll over easily, and in the cauldron of La Cartuja, anything can happen. The stage is set for a spectacle in Andalusia. Let the final commence!
