Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Copa del Rey Final Preview

Form and Stakes

Barcelona arrive in Seville chasing what could become a remarkable four-trophy season under Hansi Flick. Already Supercopa champions after a 5-2 thrashing of Real Madrid in January, the Blaugrana top the La Liga standings with five games to play and remain alive in the Champions League, where they face Inter Milan in the semi-finals.

Their domestic form has been consistent, with no defeats in La Liga since December, and they edged past Mallorca 1-0 last weekend to keep momentum on their side. A win here would mark their 32nd Copa del Rey title, extending their record as the competition’s most decorated club.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, will be eager to respond after their Champions League quarter-final exit to Arsenal, which has led to growing speculation about Carlo Ancelotti’s future. Though they still have La Liga and the Club World Cup to contend for, the Copa del Rey now takes on added significance in salvaging their season.

Los Blancos beat Getafe 1-0 last time out and have already lifted the UEFA Super Cup this term. They’ll be aiming to add a 21st Copa del Rey crown, and their track record in finals against Barcelona—winning four of seven—offers encouragement.

Head-to-Head

Barcelona and Real Madrid have already clashed twice this season, with the Catalans taking both encounters in dominant fashion: a 5-2 Supercopa victory and a 4-0 win at the Bernabeu in La Liga.

Despite recent form favoring Barcelona, Real Madrid won the last Copa del Rey meeting between the sides—a thumping 4-0 victory in last season’s semi-finals.

Barça haven’t beaten Madrid in a Copa del Rey final since 1990, while Los Blancos triumphed in their last two final encounters (2011, 2014).

Key Stats

• Barcelona are unbeaten in 13 straight domestic matches heading into the final.
• Real Madrid have won four of their last seven Copa del Rey finals against their rivals.
• The last three Copa del Rey finals involving these clubs have featured just five goals combined.
• Real Madrid’s last Copa del Rey title came in 2014, while Barcelona last lifted the trophy in 2021.

Team News

Barcelona

• Out: Robert Lewandowski (hamstring), Alejandro Balde (hamstring), Marc-André ter Stegen, Marc Casado, Marc Bernal (all injured)
• Doubtful: Ronald Araujo
• Expected XI: Ferran Torres is likely to lead the line in Lewandowski’s absence, with Raphinha and Lamine Yamal flanking him. Pau Cubarsí could return to the heart of defence, while Frenkie de Jong and Jules Koundé are set to come back into the lineup. Fermin Lopez is in contention to start over Dani Olmo in attacking midfield.

Real Madrid

• Out: Eduardo Camavinga, David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao
• Doubtful: Kylian Mbappé (ankle), Ferland Mendy
• Expected XI: Fran Garcia should start at left-back with Mendy still a doubt. Rodrygo is confirmed to start despite criticism, and Mbappé is expected to feature after returning to partial training. Ancelotti may also turn to the experienced Toni Kroos and Luka Modric in midfield.

A fierce rivalry, major silverware, and seasonal bragging rights will all be on the line in Seville. For Barcelona, it’s a chance to solidify their dominance under Flick with a second trophy of the campaign. For Real Madrid, it’s about restoring pride after European disappointment and showing they can still turn up on the biggest domestic stage.

El Clasico rarely needs extra spice—but a cup final between these two only raises the stakes.