As the clock ticks down to the highly anticipated Spanish Cup final, the atmosphere is electric, but not without controversy. Real Madrid has made headlines by canceling their press conference and training session ahead of their showdown with Barcelona, set to take place on April 26, 2025, at the Olympic Stadium in Seville. This decision comes as a protest against referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoechea, who has been vocal about alleged mistreatment from the club's television network.
The match, which kicks off at 23:00 Moscow time, has drawn significant attention not only for the on-field rivalry but also for the off-field drama that has unfolded in the lead-up. Real Madrid, under the guidance of head coach Carlo Ancelotti, had intended to hold a press conference featuring both him and star player Luka Modric, but these plans were abruptly scrapped. Furthermore, the team has opted out of the traditional photo opportunity with Barcelona’s coach Hansi Flick and goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, and they will not attend the official dinner prior to the match.
Historically, this matchup is one of the fiercest rivalries in football, with Barcelona boasting 31 Spanish Cup titles compared to Real Madrid's 20. This season, Barcelona has been in formidable form, showcasing their prowess in the tournament by defeating Barbastro (4:0), Betis (5:1), Valencia (5:0), and Atletico Madrid in a thrilling semi-final that ended 5:4 on aggregate. Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s path to the final included victories against Deportivo Minera (5:0), Celta (5:0), Leganes (3:2), and a dramatic semi-final against Real Sociedad, which they won 5:4 on aggregate.
Despite their storied history, Real Madrid finds themselves in a precarious position this season. Having been eliminated from the Champions League and trailing Barcelona by four points in La Liga, the Spanish Cup represents their last opportunity for silverware this season. Ancelotti faces mounting pressure, particularly given that his team has struggled in recent encounters with Barcelona, losing both previous meetings this season with a combined score of 9:2. The stakes are high, and the pressure on Ancelotti is palpable as he seeks to salvage the season.
In contrast, Barcelona is riding high on confidence. With 76 points in La Liga, they sit at the top of the table, four points clear of Real Madrid. Their form has been impressive, with only one loss in their last 25 matches, a setback against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League. The Catalan giants are aiming for a historic quadruple this season, and winning the Spanish Cup would be a significant step towards that goal.
However, the match will not be without its challenges for Barcelona. They are currently missing key players, including Alejandro Balde and Robert Lewandowski, although Lewandowski's participation remains uncertain. The team has had only three days of rest before this crucial encounter, which could impact their performance.
Bookmakers have made Barcelona the favorites to win the final, with odds of 1.67 compared to Real Madrid's 2.20. The expectation is for a high-scoring match, with the total goals line set at over 2.5 goals at odds of 1.55. As fans gear up for this epic clash, many are speculating on the potential for drama on and off the field, especially given the backdrop of Real Madrid's protest.
As the match approaches, the tension is building. Will Real Madrid be able to overcome the obstacles and secure a vital trophy, or will Barcelona continue their dominance and claim yet another Spanish Cup? The football world is watching closely, and the outcome remains uncertain as both teams prepare to battle it out.
In a recent statement, Real Madrid expressed hope that the RFEF would take measures to protect the prestige of the organizations it represents, amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding the officiating of the match. With emotions running high and stakes even higher, this final promises to be a memorable chapter in the storied rivalry between these two giants of Spanish football.
As fans eagerly await the kickoff, the tension is palpable. The match will be broadcast live on Match TV and Match! Football 2, as well as on sportbox.ru and matchtv.ru, starting at 22:30 Moscow time. The countdown to what promises to be a thrilling encounter is on, and all eyes will be on Seville.
