The Copa del Rey final is always a major occasion, and its significance is amplified when it features the iconic El Clasico rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid. This match marks the third encounter between these Spanish football giants this season, with incredibly high stakes. Barcelona is aiming for a potential treble this year, while Real Madrid has a critical opportunity to salvage their season and push towards securing a domestic double.
Although Los Blancos currently trail Barcelona by four points in the league standings, a victory in a cup final could provide the crucial shift in momentum they need. To achieve this, Real Madrid must find a way to contain a potent Barcelona attack that, even without Robert Lewandowski, boasts superstar wingers like Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. Given that Madrid`s defense hasn`t been their strongest asset this season, manager Carlo Ancelotti will need to deliver a tactical masterclass.
Here`s a look at the key storylines, viewing information, and more ahead of the match.
How to Watch El Clasico and Odds
- Date: Saturday, 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
Last Meeting
This upcoming final is actually the second cup final meeting between the two sides this season, following their clash in the Spanish Super Cup final in January. That match saw a dominant performance from Barcelona, whose side, led by Flick, built a 4-1 halftime lead en route to a decisive 5-2 victory. Yamal, Lewandowski, and Raphinha were all influential in that game, highlighting the dangerous potential of Barcelona`s forward line. While Rodrygo and Kylian Mbappe scored for Real Madrid, their efforts were insufficient to prevent a heavy defeat.Potential Refereeing Controversy?
While Real Madrid ultimately did not threaten to withdraw from the Copa del Rey final, the Spanish football federation reportedly rejected their request for different officials to be assigned to the match. During a press conference leading up to the final, referee Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes reportedly spoke about the threats and abuse he has received, including from Real Madrid`s own television network, `Real Madrid TV`.
Real Madrid allegedly argued that these comments indicated Gonzalez Fuertes would be unable to make unbiased decisions. However, with the RFEF denying Real Madrid`s request, the club will proceed with the match officiated by the assigned crew.
Predicted Lineups
Barcelona: Wojciech Szczesny, Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Pedri, Gavi, Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Raphinha, Ferran Torres
Real Madrid: Thibaut Courtois, Francisco Garcia, Antonio Rudiger, Raul Asencio, Lucas Vazquez, Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Luka Modric, Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe
Player to Watch
Vinicius Junior, Real Madrid: Choosing between Vini Jr and Mbappe was difficult, but the Brazilian gets a slight edge due to how Barcelona is likely to defend Mbappe. Barcelona`s high defensive line might catch Mbappe offside, whereas Vini Jr has a strong opportunity to impact the game through dribbling, particularly against Barcelona`s potentially vulnerable defense. The Brazilian is expected to play a significant role on the wing, receiving the ball frequently and running at defenders. If he doesn`t perform at his best, Real Madrid`s hopes for silverware this season could be significantly diminished.
Storyline to Watch
The Treble Chase: Following Inter Milan`s elimination from the Coppa Italia, only Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain remain in Europe with a chance to win their domestic league, domestic cup, and the Champions League. With Lewandowski absent, other attackers will need to step up to compensate for his goal output. This is achievable as Barcelona possesses a potential Ballon d`Or contender in Raphinha and arguably the world`s best young player in Lamine Yamal. However, they must still handle the pressure of this high-stakes match. At this stage, Barcelona is considered by some to be the favorites against Real Madrid, but overcoming their rivals will be no easy task, as form often becomes irrelevant in derby matches, especially with a trophy on the line.
Prediction
While this match is unlikely to replicate the lopsided scoreline of the Spanish Super Cup final, the prediction still leans towards Barcelona. Their attacking creativity is expected to pose too many problems for Real Madrid`s defense to handle effectively. Raphinha is poised to be a key difference-maker, driving Barcelona towards victory, with Pedri controlling the midfield tempo behind him. Although it will be a challenging match, the matchup favors Barcelona`s attack against Madrid`s defense, leading to a closer contest than the Super Cup but still a comprehensive win for Barcelona.
Pick: Barcelona 2, Real Madrid 1
