Barcelona and Real Madrid are ready for another clash in Saturday’s Copa del Rey final. With both teams chasing silverware, ESPN’s Sam Marsden and Alex Kirkland selected their Combined El Clásico XI — based solely on 2024-25 season form.
The Easy Choices
There was no debate on several positions. Thibaut Courtois claimed the goalkeeper spot after a strong comeback season. Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde locked down the full-back roles for Barcelona. In midfield, Pedri and Fede Valverde were unanimous selections, while Lamine Yamal dominated the right wing.
Defensive Decisions
Center-back choices showed some disagreement. Marsden picked Pau Cubarsí and Iñigo Martínez, citing Barcelona’s defensive consistency. Kirkland paired Cubarsí with Antonio Rüdiger, valuing the German’s leadership.
Midfield and Attack
Both experts agreed Pedri and Valverde were the midfield engines. Jude Bellingham, despite a dip in form after Christmas, still made the cut for his overall impact.
In attack, Yamal’s brilliance secured the right wing. On the left, Raphinha edged out Vinícius Jr. based on clutch performances for Barcelona. At center forward, Marsden stayed loyal to Robert Lewandowski’s 40-goal campaign. Kirkland, however, chose Kylian Mbappé, citing his transformational presence.
Final Combined El Clásico XIs
Sam Marsden’s XI:
Courtois; Koundé, Cubarsí, Martínez, Balde; Valverde, Pedri, Bellingham; Yamal, Raphinha, Lewandowski.
Alex Kirkland’s XI:
Courtois; Koundé, Cubarsí, Rüdiger, Balde; Valverde, Pedri, Bellingham; Yamal, Raphinha, Mbappé.
Both Barcelona and Real Madrid will showcase this combined talent pool Saturday. But only one side will lift the Copa del Rey trophy.
