Barcelona and Real Madrid Face Off in Historic Copa del Rey Final

Seville, April 26, 2025 — The stage is set. The drums of war are beating once again. This Saturday, Barcelona and Real Madrids lock horns in the Copa del Rey final — and this time, it’s about far more than just silverware.

The La Cartuja Stadium in Seville, packed with 70,000 roaring fans and graced by the presence of King Felipe VI, will witness Spain’s greatest rivalry for the first time in a Copa del Rey final since 2014.

And the stakes? They couldn’t be higher.

Barcelona Eyes a Treble Dream Under Hansi Flick

For Barcelona, Saturday’s final could be the first gem in a glittering treble campaign under new coach Hansi Flick. Already leading the La Liga race and preparing for a mammoth Champions League semifinal against Inter Milan next week, Flick’s squad is hungry — and confident.

“We want to fight for every title we can, and this is our moment,” Flick declared in the pre-match press conference.

However, Barcelona faces a major setback: star striker Robert Lewandowski is ruled out with a thigh injury. Ferran Torres, the super-sub with 17 goals this season, is tipped to lead the line. Flick may also deploy a bold “false nine” system with Dani Olmo, flanked by teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and the ever-dangerous Raphinha.

In another blow, left-back Alejandro Balde is unavailable. Rising star Gerard Martin might step in, although Flick could opt for a seasoned option for such a high-stakes clash.
The good news? Goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen returns from a long injury layoff, boosting morale just when it’s needed most.

Real Madrid: Fighting for Dignity and Ancelotti’s Farewell

For Real Madrid, the Copa del Rey final represents redemption.

Already out of the Champions League and trailing Barcelona by four points in La Liga, this match is Madrid’s last real shot at ending the season with silverware. Speculation looms that this could also be Carlo Ancelotti’s final stand before a potential move to coach Brazil.

Much pressure rides on superstar Kylian Mbappé, who after dazzling in domestic games, has yet to deliver in Europe’s biggest moments. Vinícius Júnior, still smarting from a Ballon d’Or snub, is another player looking to reignite his spark in a match that demands heroes.

Madrid, however, is struggling with injuries. Midfield dynamo Eduardo Camavinga joins a growing list of absentees that already includes key defenders Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão. The task is clear: the defense must contain Barcelona’s explosive flanks, especially Yamal and Raphinha, who terrorized Madrid in previous clashes.

More Than a Match: A Legacy Defining Night

This isn’t just about a trophy. It’s about momentum, bragging rights, and season-defining history.

A Barcelona win would skyrocket them into the Champions League semifinals brimming with confidence. A Real Madrid victory, however, would breathe life into a faltering campaign and possibly mark a fitting farewell for Ancelotti.

Tension is already high after a spat between Madrid and the referees, ignited by controversial videos aired on Madrid’s TV channel. Expect every whistle, every decision, and every tackle to be scrutinized under a fiery spotlight.

Final Showdown: Key Details

• Match: Barcelona vs Real Madrid — Copa del Rey Final
• Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
• Venue: La Cartuja Stadium, Seville
• Kick-off: 9 PM local time