Saturday`s Copa del Rey final marks the third – and most significant – clash between El Clasico rivals this season. While both sides have had numerous opportunities, the campaign has been defined by one overriding theme: Barcelona`s clear superiority in these encounters.
Not only have Hansi Flick`s men secured victories in both previous Clasicos this season, but they have done so with substantial scorelines. This series has vividly demonstrated Barcelona`s revitalization under their new coach, who has effectively integrated the rising talent of Lamine Yamal and, surprisingly to many, extracted peak performances from Robert Lewandowski and especially Raphinha. Lewandowski, Barcelona`s leading scorer with 40 goals across all competitions, will unfortunately miss the Copa del Rey final due to injury. However, the availability of other key players is expected to ensure the team remains highly competitive on Saturday.
Conversely, the El Clasico fixtures this season have exposed unexpected deficiencies in a Real Madrid squad brimming with stars. Following their La Liga and UEFA Champions League triumphs last season and the summer acquisition of Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid was anticipated to continue their era of dominance. Instead, weaknesses that were perhaps masked in last season`s success have become apparent, placing them on the defensive heading into the Copa del Rey final. Nevertheless, with major silverware at stake, this match has the potential to be a much more evenly contested battle than their prior meetings this campaign.
Ahead of the latest installment of one of football`s most legendary rivalries, let`s revisit the Clasicos that have unfolded this season.
How to Watch El Clasico Details
- Date: Sunday, April 26
- Time: 4 p.m. ET
- Location: Estadio de La Cartuja — Seville, Spain
- Live stream: ESPN+
- Odds: Barcelona +105; Draw +280; Real Madrid +200
October 26, 2024: Real Madrid 0, Barcelona 4
Barcelona commenced the season strongly, but two late October fixtures served as crucial tests of their title-winning potential: a UEFA Champions League tie against Bayern Munich on October 23, followed by El Clasico three days later. They aced both challenges impressively, first overwhelming Bayern 4-1 at home, then securing a dominant 4-0 win at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. This fall Clasico perfectly showcased everything going right for Hansi Flick`s team, with Lewandowski netting a brace supported by goals from Yamal and Raphinha. The match was also indicative of Real Madrid`s struggles, notably with Vinicius Junior and Mbappe failing to make an impact. Mbappe`s initial period in the Spanish capital included this game, and the current perception of the French international is not entirely positive, judging by recent crowd reactions in Madrid.
Barcelona`s resounding victory was a pivotal moment in the La Liga title race at the time, establishing a six-point advantage over Real Madrid.
January 12, 2025: Real Madrid 2, Barcelona 5
The teams traveled to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for the Spanish Super Cup final, where Barcelona once again emerged victorious. Although Mbappe put Madrid ahead within five minutes, Barcelona quickly responded, establishing a commanding 4-1 lead by halftime through goals from Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Alejandro Balde. Raphinha added another shortly after the break, providing his side with sufficient cushion to absorb Wojciech Szczesny`s red card in the 56th minute. Despite Rodrygo converting the subsequent free kick, it was insufficient to alter the game`s outcome.
Upcoming El Clasico Matches
Saturday`s Clasico holds elevated significance due to the silverware at stake. The Copa del Rey represents the first major trophy either club could potentially win this season, and it might be their only chance. Real Madrid isn`t currently leading the La Liga title race, and while Barcelona remains in contention in both the league and the Champions League, neither trophy is yet secured.
However, there is one final Clasico scheduled for May 11 in Barcelona. This late-season encounter could have significant implications for the La Liga title race, with only three league games remaining after that date.
