An extra El Clasico match is on the schedule as Real Madrid and Barcelona will compete in the Copa del Rey final later this month.
This final will be the fourth El Clasico of the season, including Barcelona`s 5-2 victory over Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final in January. This upcoming game offers another chance for silverware, and it`s the first Copa del Rey final between these two giants since 2014. In that previous final, Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 2-1.
Winning this final represents the first major trophy opportunity this season for both teams. However, it might not be their last, as both Barcelona and Real Madrid are still competing for the La Liga title, with Barcelona currently holding a narrow three-point lead. They are also both contenders in the UEFA Champions League.
Here is essential information about the upcoming El Clasico.
Match Details
- Date: Saturday, April 26
- Location: Estadio de La Cartuja — Seville, Spain
- Live stream: ESPN+
Real Madrid`s Path to the Final
Real Madrid, managed by Carlo Ancelotti, reached the final dramatically on Tuesday. They defeated Real Sociedad 5-4 on aggregate, requiring extra time. A 1-0 first-leg victory was vital for Real Madrid. Despite a late surge of goals making the game close, Jude Bellingham`s goal in the 82nd minute leveled the score after Real Sociedad took a 3-2 aggregate lead. Real Sociedad scored again in stoppage time, pushing the game to extra time, where Antonio Rudiger scored the winning goal for Real Madrid just before penalties.
Barcelona`s Path to the Final
Barcelona experienced their drama in the first leg, drawing 4-4 with Atletico Madrid. Hansi Flick`s Barcelona played a strong second leg in Madrid on Wednesday, securing a 1-0 victory to reach the final. Ferran Torres scored the only goal in the 27th minute. Barcelona dominated the second leg, with 15 shots compared to Atletico`s six and a higher expected goals (1.78 vs 0.82). Notably, Barcelona prevented Atletico from having a single shot on target in the second leg.
