Carlo Ancelotti reveals which Real Madrid player will be tasked with marking Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal.

Real Madrid secured a narrow victory over Getafe on Wednesday night, courtesy of a goal by Arda Guler. However, their next challenge is far more demanding, as they prepare to take on long-time rivals Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday night. Though the Getafe match wasn’t exactly a walk in the park, facing Barcelona presents an entirely different level of difficulty.

 

Los Blancos have already suffered two heavy defeats to Barcelona this season, conceding a combined nine goals while scoring just two. Their performances in those matches left much to be desired, and if they hope to turn things around in the third encounter, serious improvements are necessary.

 

Wednesday’s game also came at a cost, with Eduardo Camavinga and David Alaba both picking up injuries. Ferland Mendy remains sidelined as well, leaving Real Madrid with only one available left-back. Carlo Ancelotti confirmed after the match that Fran García would be the man to fill that role against Barcelona.

 

“I only have Fran García available at left-back for the Barcelona clash,” Ancelotti stated.

 

In truth, García might be a better fit for the role at this point. His speed gives him an edge, especially when up against top-tier attackers — something Alaba seemed to lack recently, particularly during his struggle against Bukayo Saka.

 

Camavinga had been performing well lately and has previously done well against Barcelona, even though he too had a tough time in his last outing as a left-back. His absence will be felt, especially given how important defensive stability will be.

 

Mendy has been nursing an injury for a while, and although Ancelotti mentioned the possibility of him returning for the final, there was no official confirmation. Even if he is cleared to play, easing him back gradually might be the safer route.

 

García will face a huge test, needing the performance of a lifetime to contain Lamine Yamal — a prodigious talent who is currently in fantastic form. Ancelotti hasn’t typically relied on Fran in high-stakes matches, often preferring more experienced players like Alaba. But this could be the moment for García to step up and stake his claim for future big games.

 

That said, stopping Yamal won’t be an individual task. Real Madrid must work as a cohesive unit to keep him quiet. A one-on-one scenario could expose García — not due to his own shortcomings, but because of Yamal’s extraordinary ability.