Real Madrid vs. Barcelona: Supercopa de España Final Preview – January 12, 2025

The stage is set for one of the most exciting clashes in Spanish football as Real Madrid and Barcelona meet in the Supercopa de España Final on January 12, 2025, at 7 PM UK time. With both teams coming into this encounter with a mix of form, injuries, and fresh tactical decisions, this match promises to be a thrilling spectacle.

Barcelona’s Squad Situation: Key Players & Injuries

Barcelona heads into the final with a squad that is both exciting and somewhat uncertain. One of the major talking points for Barcelona will be the inclusion of Dani Olmo, who has been given temporary registration by the Spanish National Sports Council. Olmo, alongside Pau Victor, is eligible to play until the Council makes a final decision on their status in the ongoing dispute with La Liga and RFEF. While Olmo is unlikely to start, his presence on the bench could provide a crucial spark for the Catalan giants during the match. His ability to change the pace of the game could prove invaluable.

In terms of injuries, Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Andreas Christensen will be sidelined due to injury, though Christensen is reportedly close to a return, which could offer a significant boost to the Barcelona defense. Marc Bernal will also miss the match, meaning Barcelona will be looking to their remaining defenders to step up.

Another interesting subplot is the form of Wojciech Szczesny, who has been tasked with goalkeeper duties in the cup competitions under coach Hansi Flick. With Szczesny now firmly established as the cup goalkeeper, it is expected that he will be between the sticks for this crucial match against Real Madrid.

Ronald Araujo’s Future in Limbo

One of the biggest questions surrounding Barcelona’s lineup is the potential absence of Ronald Araujo. The Uruguayan defender is currently with the squad in Saudi Arabia for the Supercopa de España but has been linked with a move away from the club. Juventus is reportedly making a push to sign Araujo, and this has led to speculation that he may not feature in the final. His absence would certainly be a blow to Barcelona, as his defensive prowess has been vital in recent seasons.

Young Talent: Lamine Yamal and the Attack

Another player who will be crucial to Barcelona’s chances is Lamine Yamal. The young Spanish forward is fresh off a memorable performance in the semi-final against Athletic Bilbao, where he scored following a recovery from an ankle injury. Yamal’s speed, creativity, and ability to find the back of the net make him a key figure in Barcelona’s attack. Alongside him, Raphinha, Gavi, and Robert Lewandowski are expected to lead the charge. However, Frenkie de Jong will once again find himself out of favor under Flick, meaning he is unlikely to feature in the midfield. His absence will surely raise questions about the club’s midfield strategy for the final.

The expected Barcelona starting lineup looks as follows:

• Szczesny (GK)
• Koundé, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde (defenders)
• Casado, Pedri (midfielders)
• Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha (attackers)
• Lewandowski (striker)

With this lineup, Barcelona will aim to maintain possession and impose their attacking style, relying on their young talents to outmaneuver a tough Real Madrid defense.

Real Madrid’s Challenge: Injuries and Tactical Setbacks

On the other side of the pitch, Real Madrid will be preparing to face off against their bitter rivals with a few injury concerns of their own. Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, and Aurélien Tchouaméni are all reportedly doubts about the final, adding an element of uncertainty to their midfield.

Injuries to key players have forced Carlo Ancelotti to reconsider his tactics and lineup for this match. If all three midfielders miss the final, Real Madrid may have to rely on other players, such as Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić, to step up and fill the void. The loss of these influential figures would certainly weaken their central midfield, and Barcelona could take advantage of this by dominating possession.

Real Madrid’s Potential Starting XI

Despite the challenges posed by injuries, Real Madrid has plenty of depth and experience to call upon. Key players like Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Kareem Benzema are all likely to feature in the final third, while the defense remains solid with Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba leading the backline.

The expected Real Madrid starting lineup may look something like this:

• Courtois (GK)
• Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, Mendy (defenders)
• Kroos, Modrić, Camavinga (midfielders)
• Vinícius Júnior, Benzema, Rodrygo (attackers)

If Tchouaméni, Bellingham, and Valverde are unable to play, Modrić and Kroos will be crucial in controlling the tempo of the game. Real Madrid will look to use their pace and direct attacking style to break down Barcelona’s defense, particularly with Vinícius Júnior on the wing.

A Tactical Battle: Ancelotti vs. Flick

This Supercopa de España final will not just be a clash of players but also a tactical battle between two world-class managers. Carlo Ancelotti, with his wealth of experience and tactical flexibility, will need to adjust his approach depending on the availability of his key midfielders. Meanwhile, Hansi Flick, in his first full season at Barcelona, will be hoping to secure his first major trophy with the club. His tactical decisions will be under intense scrutiny as he faces off against one of the most successful managers in modern football.

The Bigger Picture: What’s at Stake

The Supercopa de España is always a prestigious event, but with the form both clubs have shown this season, it will be even more significant. Barcelona is looking to cement their position as the dominant force in Spanish football, and a win against Real Madrid would give them a huge boost as they continue to develop under Flick. For Real Madrid, a victory would not only give them a trophy but also send a message to their rivals about their continued superiority.

The Countdown Begins

As the final approaches, both teams will be focusing on fine-tuning their strategies and ensuring their key players are fit and ready for what promises to be an electric encounter. Real Madrid and Barcelona have a long history of epic battles, and this Supercopa de España final looks set to continue that tradition.

The stakes could not be higher as both clubs look to kick off 2025 with silverware. With key players sidelined and fresh faces stepping up, it will be fascinating to see who emerges victorious in this iconic El Clásico.

As the match draws closer, all eyes will be on Saudi Arabia for this thrilling showdown. Who will come out on top and claim the Supercopa de España? Stay tuned to see which side will emerge as the true king of Spanish football in 2025.