High tension is brewing in Seville as the Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and Barcelona approaches. The match, set for Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 22:00 at the Estadio La Cartuja, has been overshadowed by controversy and disputes regarding officiating, setting the stage for a highly anticipated showdown between these two Spanish giants.
Real Madrid has taken a bold stance, canceling a press conference, official training, and gala dinner in protest against remarks made by the referees assigned to the final. Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea and Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes, the referee and VAR respectively, claimed that Real Madrid TV had subjected them to excessive media pressure. De Burgos, visibly shaken, shared the personal toll of the attacks he has faced, while Gonzalez threatened serious actions against the media outlet.
The club responded swiftly, issuing two statements within hours. The first labeled the referees' comments as "unacceptable," accusing them of "animosity and hostility." However, the second statement clarified that Real Madrid had never considered withdrawing from the final, emphasizing, "The values of football must prevail." This statement was crucial in quelling rumors of a potential boycott.
Javier Tebas, president of La Liga, did not hold back in his criticism of Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, accusing him of making threats rather than constructive protests. In contrast, Barcelona's coach Hansi Flick took a more diplomatic approach, urging respect for the referees and focusing solely on the game ahead.
The match marks the third encounter between the two teams this season, with Barcelona having already claimed victory in both previous meetings, including a decisive 5-2 win in the Supercup final three months ago. This latest clash holds significant implications for both clubs, particularly for Barcelona, who is aiming for an unprecedented triplete, having already secured the La Liga and Supercup titles.
As the teams prepare for the final, the stakes are high. Barcelona has won the Copa del Rey 31 times, while Real Madrid has lifted the trophy 20 times. This final will be only the seventh time the two clubs have met in the Copa del Rey final, with the last encounter occurring eleven years ago.
Barcelona's probable formation for the match is a 4-2-3-1 setup, featuring goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, a defensive line of Jules Koundé, Ronald Araujo, Cubarsí, and Gerard Martin, with Frenkie de Jong and Pedri anchoring the midfield. The attacking trio is expected to include Lamine Yamal, Gavi, and Raphinha, with Ferran Torres leading the line under Flick's guidance.
On the other side, Real Madrid is anticipated to line up in a 4-3-1-2 formation, with Thibaut Courtois in goal, supported by a back four of Federico Valverde, Marco Asensio, Antonio Rudiger, and Eduardo Camavinga. The midfield will feature Luka Modric, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Dani Ceballos, while the attacking duo will consist of Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior, with Rodrygo providing additional support.
Fans will be eager to know where to catch the action. The match will be broadcast live on Telelombardia, channel 10 on digital terrestrial TV, and will also be available through several regional channels across Italy, including Videogruppo in Piemonte and Medianordest in Veneto. For those preferring to stream, the match will be available on the YouTube channel of Cronache di Spogliatoio and the Mediapason group's website.
This Copa del Rey final is not just another match; it is a culmination of a season filled with rivalry, ambition, and the quest for glory. With the backdrop of recent tensions, the atmosphere is set to be electric as fans from both sides gather to witness this epic clash.
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, anticipation mounts. Will Barcelona continue their dominance, or can Real Madrid turn the tide in this storied rivalry? The stage is set for a thrilling encounter that promises to deliver drama, skill, and the passion that defines La Liga football.
