I Am Scouted by Real Madrid

Chapter 821: Chapter 64: Final: Facing Barcelona Again

The clash between Real Madrid and Barcelona did not keep the fans waiting long.

On the 17th, a La Liga El Clásico just concluded, and on the 21st, the two teams meet again in the Spanish King’s Cup final. Due to their collision in the league, there is a strong tension between the two teams before the match.

Real Madrid’s coach was satisfied with the performance of the three defensive midfielders, Pepe, Alonso, and Khedira, last Saturday.

Due to Albiol’s suspension, many anticipated that Alvaro would get a starting opportunity, with Ramos partnering with Cavaleiro in central defense.

Despite differing opinions among fans and professional commentators about Real Madrid’s "three defensive midfielders" tactic, Mourinho himself was clearly satisfied with their performance.

As it is well known, Mourinho is a very principled person who won’t change his views because of outside opinions. It can thus be anticipated that he will continue to employ the three defensive midfielders tactic in Wednesday’s King’s Cup final: Pepe, Alonso, and Khedira will be the key players in the match.

When Mourinho decided to use the three defensive midfielders at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, his aim was to protect Real Madrid’s midfield and defense, while disrupting the connection between Barcelona’s midfield and attack.

"If we block Xavi and Iniesta, we win half of the match," Mourinho has told his players more than once.

In Mourinho’s view, blocking Messi is not the most important; the key is to minimize Messi receiving the ball in dangerous areas.

For this purpose, Mourinho arranged for Pepe and Marcelo to mount a dual-layered zonal defense on Messi.

Under the collective blockade of the midfield and defensive players, Messi’s performance in the last match was far below his usual standards.

He even made some irrational actions in the process.

Before the King’s Cup match, Mourinho held a small internal meeting, considering the fact that in the league, the team had only managed a draw against Barcelona,

and no one can say that against a team like Barcelona, it is always possible to come away unscathed.

Facing the King’s Cup final, what Mourinho needs to change is the defense line.

Because of Albiol’s suspension, Mourinho had to restructure the defense line. In the locker room, he explained the arrangement for the defense in this match, announcing that the versatile Alvaro would play.

In Wednesday’s match, Alvaro will serve as the right-back, while Ramos will move centrally to form a central defense partnership with Cavaleiro.

For Real Madrid, the tactical setup for the King’s Cup will also provide reference for the first leg of the Champions League semifinal, as by then Portuguese center-back Cavaleiro will also be suspended.

If Pepe, as a defensive midfielder, continues to perform brilliantly in the King’s Cup final, Ramos might again play the central defense role in the Champions League, though his partner would be Albiol by then.

On the other hand, in Mourinho’s setup, Chen Zhong will continue to serve as the team’s center forward, a decision made after considering the status of other forwards.

"The day has finally arrived. Real Madrid and Barcelona are finally competing for something tangible and visible. After a dull appetizer of the league, Spain’s two football giants will compete for the first title of the season. This is not just a match; it’s an important step for Real Madrid to prove themselves."

This is the opening statement from Spain’s "Marca" newspaper regarding the King’s Cup final.

The Spanish King’s Cup final is set to kick off at the Mestalla Stadium in Valencia, which is arguably the most watched King’s Cup in recent years. The reason the King’s Cup, once seen as a mere sideshow, is so notable now is entirely due to both giants no longer treating it as a second-rate trophy, fighting with full force.

For Barcelona, the situation is very clear. This is their best chance of claiming a title this season.

After all, the Champions League is still uncertain, and the league hopes are slim. If they can win the King’s Cup, then Barcelona at least won’t end the season empty-handed.

Barcelona is only 90 minutes away from ending their title drought.

Of course, to fulfill their dream, Guardiola’s team must beat their arch-rivals.

Real Madrid is also taking this match very seriously.

Reportedly, to build momentum for the King’s Cup final, Real Madrid has called upon fans to wear the team’s white home jerseys to the Mestalla Stadium on Wednesday night to cheer for the team.

Last Saturday, Real Madrid relied on tenacity to hold an enemy Barcelona to a draw at home Santiago Bernabeu with 10 men, and Real Madrid Club knows that to lift the cup on Wednesday night, significant support from the fans is indispensable.

Chen Zhong, Pepe, Ramos, Alonso, and other players have also expressed: "We hope that 20,000 Real Madrid fans can turn Mestalla white. We want to win this trophy to repay the fans’ love."

The Valencia city government has specially prepared a celebration site for Real Madrid fans, and to ensure a more comprehensive celebration, Real Madrid Club even brought a full-scale replica of the Statue of the Harvest Goddess to the fan gathering site. If Real Madrid wins, the white-clad supporters can celebrate immediately under the replica statue. Meanwhile, under Madrid’s Statue of the Harvest Goddess, it will also become a sea of joy.

If any conclusion can be drawn from last Saturday’s La Liga El Clásico, it is that Mourinho seems to have found the key to slowing Barcelona’s attack.

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