As the sun began to set over Seville, anticipation filled the air on April 26, 2025, as FC Barcelona and Real Madrid prepared to clash in the highly anticipated Copa del Rey final. This match, the third El Clásico of the season, was set to kick off at 22:00 local time at the Estadio de La Cartuja. With Barcelona having already triumphed in their previous encounters this season, winning 4-0 in La Liga and 5-2 in the Supercopa, the stakes were high for Real Madrid, who sought redemption.
In the lead-up to the match, tensions escalated off the pitch. The appointment of Ricardo de Burgos as the referee drew sharp criticism from Real Madrid, who expressed concerns over his ability to officiate such a crucial game. De Burgos himself had admitted to feeling the pressure, which only fueled the fire of controversy surrounding the match.
Both teams arrived in Seville with their own narratives. Barcelona, under the guidance of coach Hansi Flick, was riding a wave of momentum, sitting atop La Liga with a four-point lead over their arch-rivals. With aspirations of a treble, the Catalans were eager to secure the Copa del Rey title, having already reached the semifinals of the Champions League. Their lineup featured star players like Pedri, Raphinha, and the young sensation Lamine Yamal, who was expected to shine on the big stage.
On the other hand, Real Madrid's season had been tumultuous, with coach Carlo Ancelotti facing mounting pressure as the team struggled to find consistency. Despite the high-profile addition of Kylian Mbappé, the squad had experienced significant ups and downs, and with their Champions League campaign already over, the Copa del Rey remained their last chance for silverware this season. The team lined up with a strong formation, including Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr., both of whom posed a threat to Barcelona's defense.
As the match commenced, the atmosphere was electric, with over 100,000 fans expected to fill the stadium, despite its capacity of only 70,000. Security was tight, with over 2,000 police officers deployed to manage the large crowds and prevent any potential unrest. Earlier in the day, clashes had erupted between police and Barcelona fans near the Town Hall, underscoring the high tensions surrounding the event.
Barcelona quickly seized control of the game, showcasing their trademark possession style. The first significant opportunity came when Yamal broke down the left flank, dazzling defenders with his pace and skill. After a clever interplay, he set up Pedri, who fired a low shot from the edge of the area past Real Madrid's goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to give Barcelona a 1-0 lead.
Real Madrid responded with urgency, but their efforts were thwarted when Bellingham's goal was disallowed for offside. Tchouameni received a yellow card for a foul on Dani Olmo, further complicating Madrid's attempts to regain momentum. Ancelotti, visibly frustrated, was also cautioned by the referee for his sarcastic applause.
Despite their struggles, Real Madrid continued to push forward, with Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr. testing Barcelona's defense. However, the Blaugrana's backline, led by Koundé and Cubarsí, held firm, repelling several attacks. The first half concluded with Barcelona maintaining their slender lead, leaving Real Madrid with much to ponder during the break.
As the second half unfolded, both teams made tactical adjustments. Ancelotti was forced to substitute Mendy due to injury, bringing on Fran Garcia. Barcelona, meanwhile, continued to dominate possession, with Raphinha and Olmo creating several chances, though they struggled to extend their lead.
In a dramatic moment, Yamal nearly doubled Barcelona's advantage with a powerful left-footed strike that narrowly missed the target, sending ripples of excitement through the crowd. The tension escalated as Real Madrid sought to equalize, but Barcelona's defense remained resolute, thwarting their advances.
With the clock ticking down, the atmosphere became increasingly frantic. Real Madrid's faithful continued to rally behind their team, but Barcelona's midfield, orchestrated by De Jong and Pedri, controlled the pace of the game. The final whistle blew, confirming Barcelona's victory in the Copa del Rey final, adding to their impressive record of 31 titles in the competition.
This match not only showcased the fierce rivalry between two of football's greatest clubs but also highlighted the contrasting fortunes of each team. While Barcelona celebrated their triumph and looked ahead to potential further glory, Real Madrid faced questions about their future and the direction of the club under Ancelotti's management.
As the players exchanged handshakes and the trophy was presented, the passion and intensity of El Clásico was once again on full display, reminding everyone of the magic that this storied rivalry brings to the world of football.
