In a highly anticipated clash, FC Barcelona will face off against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final on April 26, 2025, at the Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville. This match not only represents a classic rivalry but also serves as a critical juncture for both teams as they vie for their first trophy of the season. Barcelona, currently leading La Liga, aims to secure their 32nd Copa del Rey title, while Real Madrid seeks redemption after a challenging season.
The buildup to this match has been anything but ordinary. Just days before the final, Real Madrid stirred controversy by skipping the pre-match press conference and training session. This decision stemmed from discontent with the refereeing, as the club’s official television channel aired critical remarks about the officials' performance. In response, the referees expressed their outrage, hinting at potential repercussions for the pressure being placed upon them by clubs. Ultimately, the situation was resolved, and the match is set to proceed as planned.
This final marks the 260th El Clasico, a historic rivalry where Real Madrid holds a slight edge with 105 wins compared to Barcelona’s 102, alongside 52 draws. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see if Barcelona can level the score in victories or if Real Madrid will extend their lead.
For Barcelona, the match presents an opportunity to secure a treble this season, as they are also in contention for the Champions League and La Liga titles. However, they will have to navigate this significant match without their star striker, Robert Lewandowski, who is sidelined due to injury. Wojciech Szczęsny is expected to take the helm as the goalkeeper, having joined the squad at the beginning of 2025 and contributing to a strong defensive record.
Barcelona has had a stellar run in the Copa del Rey, having won the tournament a record 31 times. Their last triumph came four years ago, and they are eager to reclaim the title. Meanwhile, Real Madrid, with 20 Copa del Rey victories, last lifted the trophy in 2023 and is looking to regain their status in this prestigious competition.
In their recent encounters, Barcelona has had the upper hand, winning the last two El Clasico matches. Under the guidance of manager Hansi Flick, the team has shown renewed vigor and a fighting spirit reminiscent of their glory days under Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique. Flick’s strategies have revitalized the squad, making them formidable opponents.
Despite their recent successes, Barcelona faces challenges, especially with fatigue and injuries affecting their squad depth. Alongside Lewandowski, defender Alejandro Balde is also unavailable, putting additional pressure on the remaining players to perform at their best.
On the other hand, Real Madrid approaches the final with a sense of urgency, as this could be their only chance to secure silverware this season. The Galacticos era has not unfolded as expected, with the team struggling in various competitions, including an early exit from the Champions League against Arsenal. The pressure is mounting for manager Carlo Ancelotti to deliver results and reinvigorate the squad.
Real Madrid's defensive line has been particularly vulnerable, with key players like Ferland Mendy, Eduardo Camavinga, and David Alaba sidelined due to injuries. This situation could prove advantageous for Barcelona, who will look to exploit these weaknesses in their opponent's defense.
Betting odds reflect the competitive nature of this match, with Barcelona favored to win at odds of 2.10 according to Betclic. A successful bet of 100 zł could yield a return of 210 zł, appealing to fans looking to wager on the outcome. Additionally, Raphinha, who has been in sensational form with 30 goals and 23 assists this season, is a strong candidate to score, with odds of 2.70 for him to find the back of the net.
Fans and analysts alike are predicting a high-scoring affair, with many suggesting a bet on over 3.5 goals at odds of 2.22. Both teams feature explosive attacking talents, with Barcelona's Raphinha and Ferran Torres going up against Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior. The potential for fireworks is high, as both teams are hungry for victory.
The match will be broadcast across 59 countries, ensuring that fans worldwide can tune in to witness this monumental clash. In Poland, viewers can catch the action live on TVP 1 and TVP Sport, with commentary from the legendary Dariusz Szpakowski and Grzegorz Mielcarski. Kickoff is scheduled for 22:00 local time.
As the football world turns its attention to Seville, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter between two of the most storied clubs in football history. Will Barcelona reclaim their Copa del Rey title, or will Real Madrid rise to the occasion and secure a much-needed trophy? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the excitement surrounding this El Clasico is palpable, and fans are in for a treat.
