THERE is always something other than the football to talk about when Real Madrid and Barcelona meet … and this time it is no different.

They will square up again tonight in the final of the Copa del Rey and, while it is sure to be another terrific 90 minutes, there are other issues we can look at and discuss.

The story going into this one is Barcelona and their attempts to save their season. It has been a wretched time for them.

It was bad enough to get knocked out of the Champions League by Atletico Madrid, but they then lost to Granada at the weekend, a result which all but ends their chances of winning La Liga.

Winning the last Clasico was a big result for them. It was a great spectacle and captured the imagination of neutrals, but there are big questions about the future at the Nou Camp.

This game really is a must-win. If they fail to do so, it will go down as an awful season.

I wouldn't be surprised if coach Tata Martino left the club this summer. He has got a fractious relationship with journalists, fans and some members of the board. It hasn't been easy for him and his tactics haven't gone down well with supporters.

So I would say that it is pointing towards him leaving the club at the end of the season. His only hope, I think, is to win the Copa del Rey as it would be unthinkable for them not to win a trophy this season.

They have got to get it right tonight. He has not been helped with injuries and he is going into the game with 38-year-old Pinto in goal, Carles Puyol is injured and Gerard Pique has a hip problem, so Barca are going to have to do this the hard way.

Barca are floundering at the moment and there are real question marks over where they are heading in the next couple of years because of the uncertainty over the position of the manager, while the transfer ban that has been imposed on them will have serious repercussions.

A lot of the old guard are getting on a bit, and there are a few players getting set to leave, Puyol and Victor Valdes included, so it is possibly the end of an era.

Real Madrid will take great pleasure in being able to twist the knife if they can tonight.

Madrid go into it, if it is possible with the Clasico, as favourites this time. While things haven't gone completely smoothly for them, they are in the Champions League semi-finals and they still have a chance of winning the title as well.

Carlo Ancelotti is a sober figure to have at the helm and there haven't been the same off-field dramas we have seen in previous years.

Gareth Bale has been an excellent addition to the side, and although prolific goalscorer Cristiano Ronaldo has been ruled out through knee and thigh muscle problems, Real, for me, are still the team to go for tonight.

The Champions League is measuring stick to greatness these days. Madrid are in the last four and, while they have a difficult tie against Bayern Munich, they will still feel they can do it.

The Copa del Rey may not be at the top of their wanted list, but it is still a final and they are still playing Barcelona so that is all the incentive you need.

The world will be watching, there is no doubt about that, and Madrid maybe feel they have a point to prove after the last game.

They were unhappy and felt the 4-3 win for Barca at the Bernabeu a few weeks ago was not a true reflection of the game.

I think we will see a different outcome at the Mestalla tonight - and it could prove a defining evening for both clubs.