In the absence of any La Liga action this weekend, the focus in Spain will undoubtedly be on the Copa Del Rey final between Athletic Bilbao and Real Mallorca at Estadio de la Cartuja in Seville, which is set to kick off at 9pm.
Bilbao are strong favourites to lift the cup as they remain in the top-four hunt in La Liga whereas Mallorca are languishing in 15th. But anything can happen in a final and it promises to be an intriguing showpiece.
- Athletic Bilbao to win to nil
- Gorka Guruzeta to score at anytime
- Cyle Larin to be booked
Bilbao Bound For 24th Copa Del Rey
Athletic Bilbao are the Copa Del Rey’s second-most successful side, yet they have failed to lift the trophy since 1984.
However, they have a golden chance to change that and make amends for lost finals in 2020 and 2021 as they take on one of La Liga’s bottom-half teams in Seville.
Mallorca overcame the odds to progress past highflyers Girona and Real Sociedad to reach the final, but beating Bilbao may prove to be a bridge too far for the plucky Pirates.
Ernesto Valverde’s side demonstrated all of their talent to reach the final, thrashing Atletico Madrid 4-0 on aggregate in the semi-finals after a 4-2 extra-time win over Barcelona in the quarters. Their route to the final has been tougher than Mallorca and they also have the momentum heading into Saturday's showpiece.
Bilbao have lost just two of their last 12 games and their defence has been exceptional all season, with five of their Copa Del Rey victories accompanied by a clean sheet.
The only goals they have conceded in their last five games were to runaway La Liga leaders Real Madrid, suggesting they should have enough sturdiness to lift the trophy without being breached.
Mallorca have failed to score in three of their last four clashes with Bilbao and lost 4-0 when the two met in February.
Guruzeta To Remain Among Goals
A key figure in Bilbao’s run to the final has been Gorka Guruzeta, who scored in the quarter-final win over Barcelona and second leg of their last-four tie against Atletico Madrid.
The Spanish striker has been in exceptional form lately, netting five times in his last six appearances, and rates a good bet to score in the final.
Guruzeta scored one and set up another in Bilbao’s 4-0 thrashing of Mallorca in February and he could be set to punish the Pirates once more in Seville.
GORKA GURUZETA TO SCORE ANYTIME
Larin Likely To Fall Foul Of Ref
Cyle Larin was once predicted to become one of the most dangerous strikers in European football after his exploits in the MLS with Orlando and a strong start to life with Besiktas in Turkey.
However, fast-forward to the present day and, after a solid return of eight goals in 19 matches with Valladolid last term, the Canadian seems to be dominating a statistic other than the goal charts.
Larin has scored just two league goals this term but has picked up eight yellow cards in his 28 La Liga appearances for Mallorca. His indiscipline has seen him cautioned in his last two appearances for the Pirates while he was also booked in February's meeting with Bilbao.
If Valverde’s men dominate as expected, Larin, along with Mallorca’s other forwards, could grow frustrated with their lack of service, leading to silly fouls and potentially a booking for the Canadian forward.
