Real Madrid and Barcelona will contest the third and final Clasico of the 2013-14 season when they do battle in the Copa del Rey final.
The match is rather interesting for a number of different reasons. It represents the only chance either side might have of walking away with a trophy this offseason. Barcelona has already been eliminated from the Champions League and is five points behind Atletico Madrid for the top spot in the Spanish League; even if Los Cules won the remaining the five games of the season, the team could still potentially fall two points short of first place unless Barcelona has other results work in its favor.
For Real Madrid the other two trophies are still within reach, but both require some truly favorable results for the team. Madrid must win its final five games of the year and hope for Atletico to drop at least five points. In the Champions League, Los Blancos must overcome Bayern Munich, which will be a tall order, and with all respect, a nearly impossible one given Munich's play throughout the year.
So, it really comes down to this match and everyone is aware of its importance.
"On a mental level, I think [the final] will be very important," said Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti about the game, according to ESPN. "I think after this game, the side that wins will have more motivation, illusion and desire to play their best until the end of the season. I think from a mental point of view, it will be very important.
"Firstly, it is the first title of the season that we can win. Secondly, because we will take on a great side like Barcelona. All of this gives the game a lot of importance. The possibility of winning the first trophy of the season is motivation for us."
Barcelona won the first two Clasicos this season. The first game, a 2-1 Barcelona win, featured a poor performance from Los Blancos as Neymar and company took over the game with abandon. Gareth Bale was poor in this competition and the team actually played better in the second half when he was taken off. The second one was a bit more controversial and featured three penalty kicks and a red card. Barcelona won 4-3 thanks to three Lionel Messi goals while Madrid blew two leads in the game. Karim Benzema scored two goals in that match for Madrid and he will be expected to carry the line in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo. Bale will need a stronger performance in this match as well to overcome the absence of the Portuguese superstar.
Iker Casillas will play in his first Clasico since the fall of 2012 when he allowed two goals against Messi. Madrid's defense has looked steady in front of him this year and a solid display here from Casillas could potentially earn him more time in the Spanish League down the stretch.
Prediction: Barcelona wins 3-2.
The match kicks off at 3:35 p.m. EDT and can be streamed online on ESPN3. It can also be viewed on ESPN.
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