Saturday evening’s meeting in Seville marks the tantalising crescendo of Spain’s most prestigious cup competition, with both sides believing they have a real shot of winning it all. Having both overcome troublesome paths to the final, Athletic Club and Mallorca will take centre stage as they put aside their differing objectives in LaLiga to battle it out for long-awaited silverware. Despite their historic acclaim and respect across Europe, Athletic Club will look to overcome their nerves and put to bed their run of 6 successive final defeats after their domestic double in 1983/84. Mallorca is happily seen as the underdogs, with focus placed upon Saturday’s final, but the goal of remaining in the top flight is a more pressing matter in the back of their minds.
Ernesto Valverde’s Athletic Club have hit form at just the right time, sitting fourth in LaLiga and on their way to returning back to the highest level of European football should their positive performances continue. Their electricity in the attacking phase has propelled them back into the Copa Del Rey final, with incredible scoring displays against both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
Despite being victorious more recently, winning the tournament in 2003, Mallorca approach the game riding a wave of positive momentum crafted by Mexican manager, Javier Aguirre, who has culminated a stout defensive mentality well suited towards knockout football. After possessing the psychological edge in a penalty shootout victory against Real Sociedad, Mallorca will look to harness their collective identity and stifle Valverde’s fierce offensive onslaught.
This tactical analysis will begin to preview what you can expect from these two sides heading into an eagerly awaited final at La Cartuja. Our analysis will look to highlight which avenues of attack can be profitable for both sides, with Athletic having gotten the better of their opposition earlier in the year with their collective tactics.
Predicted lineups
Athletic Club
When it comes to Athletic Club, one of the key features and positive aspects of Valverde’s side would have to be their consistency and solidity throughout the line-up. The crucial spine of their 4-2-3-1 setup allows them to flourish in the final third whilst remaining compact and reactive to moments of threat from the opposition. Second-choice goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala is expected to start between the posts, protected by a tried and tested defensive line of Lekue, Paredes, Vivian and club captain Óscar de Marcos. A double pivot formed of Prados and de Galaretta will provide balance and certainly create interesting talking points, with the latter facing his former side after leaving as a free agent this past summer. The dynamism of Atheltic’s attack will be provided by their attacking quartet of Iñaki, Nico, Sancet and Guruzeta. The only real contentious choice would revolve around Athletic’s young starlet Nico Williams, with his fitness in question having been omitted from Valverde’s squad in their recent trip to Real Madrid. Should Nico not be ready to start, we can expect Berenguer to deputise nicely in his absence, having impressed when given the opportunity earlier in the year with Iñaki playing in the African Cup of Nations.
Mallorca
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