The Copa del Rey final is always a significant fixture, but its importance is elevated when it features the fierce rivalry of El Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid. This match marks the third encounter between these Spanish giants this season, and the stakes are exceptionally high. Barcelona is still in contention for a potential treble, while Real Madrid sees this final as an opportunity to salvage their season and aim for a domestic double.
Although Los Blancos trail Barcelona by four points in the league standings, a victory in this cup final could provide a crucial shift in momentum. To achieve this, Real Madrid must find a way to overcome a formidable Barcelona attack. Even without Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona boasts star wingers like Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. Real Madrid`s defense has not been their strongest suit this season, which means Carlo Ancelotti will need to deliver a tactical masterclass.
Here`s a look at the key storylines, how to watch the match, and more details.Match Details: How to Watch El Clasico, 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 isn`t the first final meeting between the two sides this season; they previously contested the Spanish Super Cup final in January. Barcelona secured a dominant 5-2 victory in that match, going up 4-1 by halftime. Yamal, Lewandowski, and Raphinha were all involved in the goals, highlighting the potency of Barcelona`s attack. Despite goals from Rodrygo and Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid suffered a heavy defeat.
Potential Refereeing Controversy
While Real Madrid stated they would not threaten to boycott the Copa del Rey final, the Spanish football federation (RFEF) rejected their request to appoint new officials for the match. During a press conference ahead of the final, referee Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes discussed the threats and abuse he has received, including from Real Madrid`s own television channel, `Real Madrid TV`.
Real Madrid argued that these comments demonstrated Gonzalez Fuertes could not remain unbiased. However, with RFEF declining their request, they will proceed with the originally assigned officiating 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: It was a difficult choice between Vini Jr and Mbappe, but the Brazilian gets the slight nod due to how Barcelona is likely to defend Mbappe. Barcelona`s high defensive line is more likely to catch Mbappe offside. Vinicius Junior, however, will have ample opportunities to create chances through dribbling against Barcelona`s potentially weakened defense. The Brazilian winger is set to play a significant role, receiving the ball frequently and running at defenders. If he fails to perform in this match, Real Madrid`s hopes for silverware could diminish.
Storyline to Watch
The Treble Watch Continues: Following Inter Milan`s exit from the Coppa Italia, only Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain remain in Europe with a chance to win their respective domestic league, domestic cup, and the Champions League. Without Lewandowski, other forwards will need to step up and contribute goals. Barcelona has the talent to do this, with a Ballon d`Or candidate in Raphinha and arguably the world`s best young player in Lamine Yamal. However, they must perform under the immense pressure of this final. At this stage, Barcelona is arguably the favorite against Real Madrid, but form often means little in rivalry matches, especially with a trophy on the line.
Prediction
This match is unlikely to mirror the dominant scoreline of the Spanish Super Cup final, but it`s still predicted to favor Barcelona. Their attack possesses too much creativity for Real Madrid`s defense to consistently handle. Raphinha is expected to deliver a match-winning performance, with Pedri controlling the midfield tempo behind him. While Real Madrid`s defense will face significant challenges, the match should be closer than their last final encounter, ultimately resulting in a convincing, though not overwhelming, Barcelona victory. Predicted Score: Barcelona 2, Real Madrid 1