Kylian Mbappé Benched as Real Madrid Faces Barcelona \ TezzBuzz \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Kylian Mbappé was left out of Real Madrid’s starting lineup for the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona. Recovering from an ankle injury, Mbappé will begin on the bench while Madrid fields Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo. Barcelona will also miss Robert Lewandowski, with Ferran Torres starting.
In a decision that sent shockwaves through fans and pundits alike, Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has decided to bench Kylian Mbappé for Saturday’s highly anticipated Copa del Rey final against Barcelona. The French superstar, widely regarded as one of the best players in the world and Real Madrid’s top scorer this season, will begin the match on the bench at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville.
This major Clasico showdown now carries even more intrigue, as both Madrid and Barcelona face the absence of their talismanic forwards.
Kylian Mbappé’s absence from the starting XI stems from the lingering effects of an ankle injury he sustained during Real Madrid’s painful Champions League quarterfinal exit against Arsenal 10 days ago. The injury forced Mbappé to miss one La Liga fixture, and though he was suspended for another league match, he has not yet returned to full match sharpness.
Although many assumed he would recover in time for this crucial final, Ancelotti appears to have taken a cautious approach, opting to manage his star forward’s fitness carefully with other competitions — notably La Liga and potential Super Cup matches — still on the horizon.
This calculated risk could preserve Mbappé’s health in the long run, but it also leaves Madrid without their most dynamic attacking threat at the start of a final where every moment can change the outcome.
Without Mbappé in the starting lineup, Ancelotti is adjusting his formation to field a two-man forward line featuring Brazilian stars Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo. Known for their blistering pace, creativity, and on-field chemistry, the duo offers a different, perhaps more unpredictable, attacking threat.
Adding Dani Ceballos to the midfield provides Madrid with greater control and stability in possessionreinforcing the midfield battles that often decide tight matches. The decision reflects Ancelotti’s experience and pragmatism — preferring balance and energy across the field rather than risking a partially fit Mbappé against a strong Barcelona side.
Ancelotti’s strategy suggests a game plan built on quick transitions, pressing high when opportunities arise, and exploiting Barcelona’s defensive vulnerabilities, especially in the absence of Lewandowski leading Barcelona’s attack.
Barcelona, meanwhile, faces their own headache with the absence of Robert Lewandowski. The prolific striker, who has led Barcelona in scoring this season, suffered a thigh injury last weekend. His unavailability was anticipated, allowing coach Xavi Hernandez to prepare Ferran Torres to fill the central attacking role.
Torres brings a different dynamic to Barcelona’s frontline: faster, more versatile, and capable of drifting wide to stretch defenses. However, he lacks Lewandowski’s clinical finishing and physical presence inside the penalty box. Barcelona may need to rely more heavily on midfield runners like Pedri and Gavi to break through Madrid’s well-organized defense.
The absence of Mbappé and Lewandowski changes the psychological tone of the final. Both teams are now under pressure to adapt quickly. For Real Madrid, the absence of their superstar raises concerns about finishing ability in tight chances. For Barcelona, missing their most reliable goal scorer could make them more vulnerable to a counterattacking Madrid.
Both sides will likely adopt slightly more cautious strategies early on, feeling each other out, before taking more risks in the second half. The benches will become crucial — and should Madrid need a goal, Mbappé will surely be unleashed in the latter stages to turn the tide.
Beyond the silverware, the Copa del Rey final carries huge significance for both clubs. For Real Madrid, lifting the trophy would consolidate a strong season domestically and restore momentum after their Champions League disappointment. A win would validate Ancelotti’s management, proving his ability to adapt to challenges and manage big personalities.
For Barcelona, capturing the Copa would be a statement of resilience during a turbulent period. Financial difficulties, squad rebuilding, and internal tensions have plagued the club for over two years. Victory against their fiercest rivals would boost morale and offer proof that Xavi’s young squad can compete with Europe’s best.
In the bigger picture, a Clasico final is always more than a match — it’s a battle for supremacy, pride, and narrative dominance in Spanish football. Even without two of the game’s biggest stars on the pitch from the first whistle, the drama and intensity promise to remain sky-high.
For Kylian Mbappé personally, being benched in such a major final could serve as a moment of reflection. His first season at Real Madrid has been under immense scrutiny, with massive expectations following his blockbuster move from Paris Saint-Germain. Managing injuries carefully is crucial if he hopes to become the long-term centerpiece of Madrid’s next great dynasty.
All eyes will be on how Mbappé responds if called upon later in the match — an explosive appearance off the bench could still see him play a decisive role in Madrid’s quest for another title.
One thing is certain: even from the sidelines, Kylian Mbappé will remain one of the biggest talking points of the Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and Barcelona.
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