Barcelona head into the Copa del Rey final with a young squad at their disposal, while Real Madrid look to rely on the experience of their veteran stars. The 'Clasico' promises to be a generational showdown between two clashing squads in terms of age.
Age is one of the many perspectives from which this Copa del Rey final can be read. On one hand, we have an ambitious and fresh-looking Barcelona, where young faces have already risen onto the main stage. On the other hand, we have a much more experienced Real Madrid side, with veterans who have already won it all continuing to lead the team.
The figures are clear: within the Barca squad, four players younger than 23 have played over 3000 minutes so far this season. Pedri (4011'), Lamine Yamal (3811'), Pau Cubarsi (3630') and Alejandro Balde (3292') have been vital for Hansi Flick this term, representing the key elements of his playstyle: intensity, high pressing and courage.
Symbolising technical excellence, Pedri's ability to bring the team together and win balls back has been fundamental this season. But the real backbone for the Catalans, in terms of minutes played, is Jules Kounde (4261'), counting the most out of anyone else in the squad, with Raphinha just behind (3953'). Veteran duo Inigo Martínez (3509') and Robert Lewandowski (3669') are the two big anomalies from Barca's team.
Between the sticks, 33-year-old Szczesny has filled in for Marc-Andre ter Stegen's long absence, landing in Catalunya upon the recommendation of his Poland compatriot Lewandowski. Meanwhile, the German goalkeeper has become an important figure not only for his crucial saves but also for his charismatic attitude within the dressing room.
Real Madrid have a higher average age than their upcoming opponents. The majority of the players who make up the starting lineup are between 23 and 30. 27-year-old Federico Valverde (4284') is the embodiment of that: a total power-house that has also sacrificed himself by covering other roles on the pitch to offer the Merengues more balance.
The path for four younger players to break through is a bit more restricted. Raul Asencio could've given more space in defence like Cubarsi with Barca, but Ancelotti has preferred to go with the consistency that Aurelien Tchouameni (3736') brings. Vinicius Junior (3729') and Rodrygo (3268') have also passed the 3000-mark for the term, while Jude Bellingham (3754') is the only player younger than 23 to have played more than 2500 minutes.
Young stars like Endrick (597') and Arda Guler (1199') have seen their minutes fall short at the Spanish capital. Only two veterans have played less than the Turkish forward has this term: Dani Carvajal (879') and David Alaba (554'), who have spent the majority of the campaign on the sidelines due to injuries. At the heart of the defence is Antonio Rudiger, 32, with 3988', while Courtois, 33, has returned to his best, registering 3780'.
And then there is Luka Modric. At the age of 39, the Croatian midfielder has played 2440 minutes on the pitch this season. His final wish before concluding his remarkable career at Real Madrid is to lift one more trophy with them. The upcoming 'Clasico' could be his final attempt at doing so, as he will be looking to deliver his usual class in Sevilla tomorrow night.