Soccer

Why does Kylian Mbappe start on the bench for Barcelona vs. Real Madrid in the 2025 Copa del Rey final?

Real Madrid faced FC Barcelona in the 2025 Copa del Rey Final, with the biggest surprise being Kylian Mbappe starting the match on the bench.

Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg match between Real Madrid C.F. and Arsenal FC at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 16, 2025 in Madrid, Spain.
© Angel Martinez/Getty ImagesKylian Mbappe of Real Madrid reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg match between Real Madrid C.F. and Arsenal FC at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 16, 2025 in Madrid, Spain.

Real Madrid and FC Barcelona face off in the 2025 Copa del Rey Final, with the trophy to be decided in a single match. Barcelona enters the clash dealing with key injuries, while Madrid arrives with a full-strength squad. However, a major development has emerged involving Kylian Mbappe.

According to multiple reports from Spain, Mbappé is dealing with lingering ankle discomfort, casting doubt on his availability for the final. His status is expected to be determined just moments before kickoff.

Kylian Mbappe’s injury troubles stem from Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League quarterfinal clash, where the Spanish giants were eliminated by Arsenal. The French star sustained an ankle injury during the second leg, and reports suggest he has yet to fully recover in time for the Copa del Rey Final against FC Barcelona.

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Meanwhile, much of the pre-match discussion centers around the potential implications for Barcelona. A victory would not only secure a prestigious trophy but also mark one of the club’s most successful seasons of the past decade. Additionally, the financial boost from winning the title would be crucial for the Blaugrana’s ongoing rebuilding efforts.

Kylian Mbappe shooting a ball with Real Madrid

Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid shoots and misses during the LaLiga match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 26, 2024 in Madrid, Spain.

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Confirmed lineups

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick faces a significant challenge heading into the final, as the team is dealing with a wave of injuries. Key players, including striker Robert Lewandowski and left back Alejandro Balde, are unavailable. Nevertheless, Barcelona’s official lineup has been confirmed.

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The starting XI for Barcelona: Wojciech Szczesny; Jules Koundé, Pau Cubarsí, Iñigo Martínez, Gerard Martín; Pedri, Frenkie de Jong; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Raphinha; Ferran Torres.

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Real Madrid starting XI

Real Madrid also enters the final managing key absences. Eder Militão and Dani Carvajal have been ruled out due to injuries, while Eduardo Camavinga’s season ended following a recent injury against Getafe. Additionally, Kylian Mbappe and David Alaba will start on the bench.

Despite the setbacks, Carlo Ancelotti fields a strong and reshuffled lineup: Thibaut Courtois; Lucas VĂĄzquez, Antonio RĂŒdiger, RaĂșl Asencio, Ferland Mendy; AurĂ©lien TchouamĂ©ni, Federico Valverde, Dani Ceballos; Jude Bellingham; Rodrygo Goes, VinĂ­cius Jr.

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