Ferland Mendy has won the race against time and is set to start at left-back for Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, according to Marca. After completing the last two training sessions without issue, the Frenchman has shown he’s fully recovered from the injury sustained in the Champions League clash with Atlético Madrid.

Carlo Ancelotti has made it clear that experience will be key in Saturday night’s high-stakes encounter at La Cartuja. Mendy, a trusted presence in pressure-filled matches, has been chosen ahead of Fran García.

Initially, Ancelotti planned to deploy Eduardo Camavinga in the left-back role, as he has done on several occasions this season. However, Camavinga’s injury against Getafe, which has ruled him out for the remainder of the season, forced a late reshuffle. While the coach had some doubts, Mendy’s strong response in training has cleared the path for him to feature in what is arguably Madrid’s most crucial match of the campaign so far.

On the opposite flank, Federico Valverde is expected to start at right-back. In central defense, Antonio Rüdiger will be partnered by Raul Asencio, as Ancelotti finalizes a backline designed for composure and balance on the big stage.

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