Pepe switched to playing defensive midfielder, forming a barrier with Khedira and Alonso in midfield, which proved highly effective. Whether it was Messi, Xavi, or Iniesta, their impact on the pitch was greatly reduced.
The question now is whether the three-defensive-midfielder system can be equally effective at the Mestalla Stadium.
At Valencia's stadium, Real Madrid cannot alter the thickness of the grass.
On February 11, the Spanish Football Association announced that the Mestalla Stadium would be the venue for this year's King's Cup final. At that time, no one paid attention to the length of the grass on the pitch.
However, after last Saturday, everything changed.
It is reported that the grass at the Mestalla Stadium will be cut to a height of 2.5 centimeters. At this height, the ball can rotate quickly, and according to the weather forecast, it will rain on the night of the match, so the turf's moisture will not be a problem.
All of this greatly favors Barcelona.
