Real Madrid's plan to beat Barcelona in Copa del Rey final revealed as dressing room leaders pinpoint weakness in Hansi Flick's team - despite losing heavily to Clasico rivals twice this season

Barcelona progressed to the final of the Copa del Rey after beating Atletico Madrid 1-0 on Wednesday night in the second leg of the semi-final. The 5-4 win on aggregate set up the first Copa del Rey El Clasico final since 2014. Now, according to a report from El Chiringuito (h/t Football Espana), the leadership core within the Real Madrid dressing room believe they have found a way to beat the Catalans, whom they have lost to 4-0 and 5-2 earlier in the season.

Los Blancos believe that if they can remain competitive for the first 60 minutes of a match, either by staying level or ahead by that point, they will secure victory. While acknowledging the strength and immense quality of Hansi Flick's troops, especially in the opening passages of the game, Madrid's leadership group feels that the Catalan side often struggles physically in the latter stages of the game. Thus, Madrid remain confident in their superior fitness and believes that if they can withstand Barcelona’s early onslaught, they will have the upper hand in the latter stages of the game.

Barca superstar Lamine Yamal appeared to have a bloodied ankle when he was subbed off for Gerard Martin after 87 minutes on Wednesday night. The 17-year-old was on the receiving end of a heavy challenge from Clement Lenglet, who landed on Yamal's studs. However, Barca fans should be relieved as Yamal escaped an injury blow, with his clash with Lenglet resulting in nothing more than a minor cut.

Following an edge-of-the-seat 4-4 draw in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Real Sociedad, Carlo Ancelotti's side will return to La Liga action this Saturday, April 5, as they welcome Valencia at the Bernabeu.