Tonight, Seville will witness a giant battle, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid face off in the Copa del Rey final. A title is at stake, but also much more.
Both arrive under pressure. Barça seeks to lift the title after a great season and Madrid wants the Copa del Rey as consolation. It's a final loaded with emotion, tension, and intrigue, the eternal rivalry, once again, takes center stage.
But there is a detail that few notice and that can shape the future of both clubs.
Full-Back Duel: Youngsters with Much at Stake
While the spotlight is on the stars, there is a key matchup on the left flank. Gerard Martín, for Barça. Fran García, on the white side, two young players, two bets.
They are not undisputed starters, they have no experience in finals. But today they have to step up, and that carries weight.
A bad game can mark their careers. A good game can open the doors to the elite, but there is also another consequence: if they don't convince, Barça or Madrid could look to the market and they already have someone in mind.
Álvaro Carreras: Benfica's Gem
That name is Álvaro Carreras. He is only 21 years old and plays for Benfica. Left-back, left-footed, fast, intelligent, with offensive projection and good defensive reading.
This season he has made a huge leap, already totaling 24 matches, with 2 goals and 2 assists, and in the Champions League, he was one of the revelations. Especially in the match against Barça. There he made it clear that he is ready for something bigger.
His profile is very appealing. Both to Flick and Ancelotti, versatile, with dribbling ability and still growing. He is the type of player who can define a decade.
The Signing May Depend on Tonight
That's why what happens today is crucial. If Gerard Martín shines, Barça might give him continuity, if he doesn't perform, Carreras comes into play.
The same goes for Fran García. Madrid is evaluating him, but if he fails today, they will also look at the young Benfica player.
Flick and Ancelotti are clear: they need a reliable full-back and Carreras is a real option, but no one wants to sign without necessity. This final can be that filter. That signal.
Moreover, Carreras is alert. He knows they are watching him. And he knows his future may depend on a match he doesn't even play.