Real Madrid will end Guardiola's records
Pep Guardiola hasn't lost any of his six cup finals as a coach or any of his six previous meetings with Real Madrid, however this evening's Copa del Rey Final undoubtedly has the potential to be the match where both of those incredible feats are wiped out.
It's Clasico number two in a marathon series of four in 18 days and while Barcelona perhaps created more in the La Liga clash last Saturday, it was Real Madrid that had more reason to be satisfied with a 1-1 draw, having fought from behind with ten men and ended Guardiola's perfect record against them.
Jose Mourinho has won the chief domestic cup in every nation where he has managed and collected silverware in his first full season at his last three clubs. This trophy has to be rated his best chance to maintain that run, as in theory it's easier to beat Barcelona in a one-off game than over two legs.
Real Madrid are [2.76] to earn their first honour under the Special One, a tempting price that in truth appeals more than the [4.0] on them winning in 90 minutes given the rarity of Barcelona defeats - they haven't after all lost to another La Liga team since September, and are impeccable travellers.
Barca are the most successful ever Copa del Rey side with 25 triumphs, they were victorious at the Mestalla against Valencia on a pitch far less hospitable than the one they will encounter tonight, while the three post-war finals there have been won by Catalan clubs, which is why they are [2.04] favourites.
The outsiders are expected to line up fairly cautiously, with rumours surfacing that Gonzalo Higuain, Karim Benzema and Emmanuel Adebayor will all miss out in favour of a front three of Angel Di Maria, Mesut Ozil and Cristiano Ronaldo, so the 90-minute draw is an attractive bet at [3.8].
Barcelona v Real Madrid
Kick-off: 8.30pm
Live on Sky Sports 2
Who do you fancy to find the net? Marcelo is an interesting outsider at [14.5]...
Published: 20 Apr 2011
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