A unique and intriguing scenario is set to unfold in Seville this Saturday evening during the Spain's Copa del Rey final. Two teams, Athletic Club and Mallorca, will make a bold move by benching their first-choice goalkeepers in favor of their backup keepers, Julen Agirrezabala and Dominik Greif, respectively.
Athletic Club, a historically successful team, is aiming to end a 40-year drought without winning the Copa del Rey. Despite their desperation for victory, they will opt to start Agirrezabala over their regular starter, Unai Simón. On the other hand, Mallorca, a club with a more modest history, will entrust Greif, their second-choice keeper, with the crucial final match.
The decision to field these backup keepers highlights a shift in football culture where teams now rotate goalkeepers based on the competition. This practice, once uncommon, has become more prevalent across Europe.
Greif's journey to the final has been tumultuous, marked by setbacks and challenges. After a series of health issues that kept him sidelined for an extended period, he has made a remarkable comeback and earned his place in the starting lineup for the final.
Both teams are gearing up for a high-stakes encounter, with Athletic Club seeking to add to their trophy cabinet and Mallorca aiming to secure a rare piece of silverware. The clash between these two sides promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with fans eagerly anticipating the outcome.
As the final approaches, the spotlight will be on Agirrezabala and Greif as they step into the limelight on one of the biggest stages in Spanish football. The decision to start these backup keepers adds an element of unpredictability to the final, making it a must-watch event for football enthusiasts.
