Topics: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Copa del Rey, Copa del Rey 2014 Final, El Clasico, El Clasico 2014, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi

Real Madrid supremo Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that he will be without the services of talismanic forward Cristiano Ronaldo for the April 16th Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and Barcelona.

The Portuguese forward has been in great form for the whole of 2013/14, helping the capital club keep up pace with rivals Barca and Atletico Madrid in the league and playing a key role in the elimination of the latter club from the Copa del Rey competition. His troublesome knee has however seen him miss two matches for the Madridistas and will not be available for the Copa del Rey showpiece.


"Cristiano is not available because we do not want to take any risks and we have other important games to come this season," he told reporters at a pre-match press conference.

"We have many players out, not just Cristiano, but we have a lot of confidence in this team and the team has responded well to missing players. I am sure it will be the same on Wednesday."

Whether Real can weather the imminent storm from Messi and Barcelona and take home the Copa del Rey without CR7 remains to be seen.