Josh Weiner
The 2025 Copa del Rey Final features a highly anticipated El Clásico between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at Estadio La Cartuja in Seville. Barcelona enters the match in strong form, aiming to claim their 32nd Spanish Cup and take the first step toward a historic treble, having been dominant under coach Hansi Flick in 2025. Real Madrid, despite a disappointing season under Carlo Ancelotti, remain a threat due to their individually brilliant players, including Kylian Mbappé. Tensions have also arisen due to Real Madrid’s protest against referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoechea, whom they accuse of bias. Barcelona is seen as the favorite due to superior form and tactical consistency, especially after previous Clásico victories this season by a combined score of 9-2. Both teams face some key absences due to injuries, with players like Robert Lewandowski and Dani Carvajal sidelined. The result is unpredictable, but expectations lean towards a Barcelona victory if their tactical discipline holds and Madrid fails to produce a moment of individual brilliance.
Luis Milla, a former player who won the Copa del Rey with FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Valencia CF, analyzed the final in SER Deportivos. He emphasized that if Madrid isn’t fully committed defensively, they will struggle, particularly against players like Lamine and Raphinha. Milla also pointed out the lack of a playmaker like Ceballos and the significant absence of Kroos as challenges for Ancelotti’s team. He recalled a similar final in 1989 where a less favored Barcelona defeated Madrid, suggesting that while Barcelona arrives in better form, the outcome remains uncertain.
Despite Robert Lewandowski’s absence due to injury, Barcelona is expected to approach the match with intensity. Madrid, meanwhile, is under greater pressure to secure silverware and will rely on Kylian Mbappé, who has recovered from injury and scored 33 goals this season. Betting tips suggest a closely contested game with both teams likely to score and over 2.5 goals expected. Real Madrid is slightly favored to lift the trophy, driven by their need for redemption and revenge. The clash promises an exciting and goal-filled encounter, as both historic rivals vie for glory on Spanish football’s big stage.
The final is also marked by controversy, with Real Madrid expressing concerns over the appointment of referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoechea, accusing him of bias. Barcelona, having dominated the season in La Liga and Champions League and having defeated Madrid in their previous two encounters, is seen as the favorite. However, history shows that Real Madrid has managed to win the Copa against Barcelona even in seasons where they didn’t dominate other competitions. Statistical indicators like possession and expected goals slightly favor Barcelona, but efficiency in finishing was decisive in previous matches. Both teams arrive with similar physical conditions, though Barcelona has rotated more players recently. The atmosphere is tense, but with great players on both sides, excitement is guaranteed.
Real Madrid and Barcelona are set to clash in the highly anticipated Copa del Rey Final on April 26, 2025, at La Cartuja in Sevilla, Spain. The match is laden with controversy leading up to kickoff, heightening the stakes as the season reaches its climax. Real Madrid, under Carlo Ancelotti, has struggled against Barcelona throughout the season and now looks to redeem their campaign with a victory in the final. Barcelona, on the other hand, aims to capitalize on their season-long dominance and secure the title. The predicted starting XI for Real Madrid includes stars like Courtois, Modric, Bellingham, Vinicius, and new addition Mbappé. Barcelona’s lineup, still to be confirmed, is expected to feature players such as Szczesny, Pedri, De Jong, and Raphinha. The final kicks off at 22:00 CET (4:00 pm EST), with TV coverage on RTVE and online streaming available via ESPN+. The outcome will determine not just a champion, but potentially the course of both teams’ seasons.
Given the current form and previous encounters, Barcelona appears to have the upper hand. However, Real Madrid’s experience and individual brilliance, particularly from players like Mbappé, could turn the tide. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams eager to claim the coveted Copa del Rey title.
