The Copa del Rey final is a major fixture, amplified significantly when it`s an El Clasico showdown between Barcelona and Real Madrid. This marks their third encounter this season, with extremely high stakes. Barcelona is aiming for a potential treble, while Real Madrid seeks to salvage their season and push for a domestic double.
Although Real Madrid trails Barcelona by four points in the league, a victory in this cup final could provide crucial momentum. To achieve this, they must overcome a formidable Barcelona attack that, even without Robert Lewandowski, boasts superstar wingers like Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. Madrid`s defense has been inconsistent this season, requiring a tactical masterclass from Carlo Ancelotti.
Here are key details, how you can watch the match, and more.
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 final is their second meeting in a cup competition this season, having previously faced off in the Spanish Super Cup final in January. That match saw a dominant Barcelona performance, leading 4-1 at halftime en route to a 5-2 victory. Yamal, Lewandowski, and Raphinha were all involved, highlighting the potency of Barcelona`s attack. Rodrygo and Kylian Mbappe scored for Real Madrid, but it wasn`t enough to prevent a significant defeat.
Potential refereeing controversy?
While Real Madrid stated they wouldn`t threaten to withdraw from the Copa del Rey final, the Spanish football federation rejected their request for a change in officials. During a press conference, referee Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes discussed the threats and abuse he has faced, including from Real Madrid`s own TV network, `Real Madrid TV`. Real Madrid argued these comments demonstrated bias, but with the RFEF denying their request, the match will proceed with the originally 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 as the player to watch is difficult, but the Brazilian gets a slight edge due to how Barcelona might defend Mbappe. Barcelona`s high defensive line could catch Mbappe offside, whereas Vini Jr will have more opportunities to impact the game through dribbling, challenging their potentially vulnerable defense. The Brazilian is expected to play a significant role on the wing, frequently receiving the ball and driving at defenders. If he doesn`t perform at a high level, Real Madrid`s season aspirations could suffer.
Storyline to watch
The treble watch is on: With Inter Milan eliminated 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. Without Lewandowski, other attackers must step up to compensate for his goal contributions. Fortunately, Barcelona possesses Ballon d`Or caliber talent in Raphinha and one of the world`s top young prospects in Lamine Yamal. However, they must handle the pressure of this crucial match. Barcelona is generally expected to win against Real Madrid at this stage, but this will be a challenging task, as form often matters less in rivalry games, especially with a trophy at stake.
Prediction
This match is unlikely to mirror the outcome of the Spanish Super Cup final, but it is still expected to favor Barcelona. Their attacking capabilities pose too many problems for Real Madrid`s defense. Raphinha is anticipated to be a key player in securing victory for Barcelona, with Pedri controlling the midfield tempo. This combination is likely to trouble Madrid`s defense, leading to a victory for Barcelona that is closer than the Super Cup result but still decisive. Pick: Barcelona 2, Real Madrid 1
