According to reports, Real Madrid faces tactical and lineup challenges ahead of the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona. The coaching staff, led by Carlo Ancelotti, is considering major changes to the usual lineup, with even players like Rodrygo uncertain to start due to inconsistencies in the team’s performance—a problem that has persisted for over eight months.

Defensive weaknesses, tactical gaps, and losses against top teams have forced Ancelotti to make unexpected changes for the upcoming final. In the recent match against Athletic Bilbao, Ancelotti experimented with a system clearly aimed at preparing for the final, though he denied this in the press conference, claiming the lineup was solely for controlling the game. However, the match provided an opportunity to evaluate players like Dani Ceballos and Luka Modric.

Ceballos had a conservative performance with 91% pass accuracy but lacked creativity, while Modric stood out with impressive stats in chance creation, passing, crossing, and ball recovery, proving himself as a stronger option. The coaching staff’s main focus, however, was on changing the playing system.

One possible change is abandoning the ‘Fantastic Four’ system (Rodrygo, Vinícius, Mbappé, and Bellingham) and reverting to a 4-4-2 formation. Rodrygo, who has scored only one goal in the last 20 matches, is not in ideal form, and his lack of presence in the opponent’s box has raised concerns. In the new system, Vinícius and Mbappé would lead the attack, with Bellingham playing as a left winger (with tactical flexibility).

This change could strengthen the midfield, allowing players like Modric, Ceballos, or Valverde to start. However, no final decision has been made, and these ideas remain experimental.

In defense, the situation of Mendy, the injured left-back, remains uncertain. He has been absent since March 12 due to a hamstring injury and may miss the final. In his absence, the coaching staff’s options are limited to Camavinga and Alaba, as Fran García is not trusted for big matches. Camavinga, though unhappy playing at left-back, is a serious option due to his reliable past performances, especially against Barcelona’s dangerous winger Lamine Yamal.

Amid these uncertainties, eight players are considered fixed in the lineup: Courtois, Asensio, Rüdiger, Tchouaméni, Valverde, Bellingham, Vinícius, and Mbappé. The positions of other players, including Valverde and Camavinga, depend on the chosen system and final decisions. Real Madrid’s coaching staff is evaluating all possibilities and may enter the final with one or more surprises.

This tactical flexibility demonstrates Ancelotti’s determination to address the team’s weaknesses and secure the trophy in one of the season’s most crucial matches.