Opponent watch: Barcelona youngster ruled out of Copa del Rey final vs Real Madrid | OneFootball

For the second time this season, Real Madrid and FC Barcelona will face off in a final as they take on each other in the grand finale of the Copa del Rey later this month.

Carlo Ancelotti’s men came second-best to Hansi Flick’s side in the finals of the Spanish Super Cup earlier this year, losing 2-5 in Saudi Arabia – an outcome that they will be keen on avoiding.

No Alejandro Balde for Barcelona

Heading into the cup final in less than a couple of weeks, Real Madrid have been handed a boost as a key Barcelona player is set to miss the match.

Indeed, as confirmed by Mundo Deportivo, Alejandro Balde is 100% ruled out of the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid after suffering a hamstring injury this past weekend.

The 21-year-old Barcelona defender had to be taken off during their 1-0 win over Leganes on Saturday, following which the Catalans confirmed that the injury would keep him out for close to three weeks.

Balde to miss the Copa final vs Real Madrid. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)

As things stand, there appear to be zero chances of Balde mounting a quick recovery and making it back for the Copa del Rey final as Barcelona do not want to risk the youngster despite the importance of the clash against Los Blancos.

As such, Balde’s absence for the cup final, set to take place in Seville on April 26, seems to be certain.

It will come as a boost for Real Madrid considering how important the youngster is for Flick’s side. After all, he put in a brilliant display in the Super Cup final, even scoring a goal as the Catalans vanquished Ancelotti & co.

The report further adds that Balde is intent on not missing the La Liga El Clasico on May 11, which could potentially decide the title race.