Football fans around the world will turn their attention to the "La Cartuja" Stadium in Seville on Saturday evening to witness the latest chapter of El Clásico, as Barcelona and Real Madrid clash in the final of the Copa del Rey. This will be the 260th official El Clásico in history and the 38th meeting in this prestigious competition.
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Barcelona is aiming to lift the cup for the 32nd time in its history, while Real Madrid hopes to claim the trophy for the 21st time, amid mounting pressure following their recent elimination from the UEFA Champions League.
Few had anticipated Barcelona's impressive resurgence this season under German manager Hansi Flick, who is targeting four trophies in his debut season — a truly remarkable achievement.
Barcelona has already secured the Spanish Super Cup earlier this year, dismantling Real Madrid 5-2 in the final, and currently leads La Liga by four points with five matches remaining. They have also reached the semifinals of the Champions League, where they are set to face Italy’s Inter Milan.
Heading into the final, Barcelona defeated Real Mallorca 1-0 in La Liga and has remained unbeaten domestically since December, underlining the magnitude of the challenge facing Real Madrid — despite Los Blancos winning the last two Copa del Rey finals they contested.
Barcelona will be without Polish star striker Robert Lewandowski due to a hamstring injury, with Ferran Torres expected to replace him. Alejandro Balde is also out, likely prompting Gerard Martín to slot in at left-back.
Pau Cubarsí is expected to return to marshal the defense, while Ronald Araújo remains doubtful. In midfield, Fermín López could start ahead of Dani Olmo, who is struggling with fitness issues.
On the wings, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha are set to feature, while Frenkie de Jong and Jules Koundé are also expected to return to the starting lineup.
Historically, Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 2-1 in the 2014 Copa del Rey final and 1-0 in the 2011 final. Barcelona's last Copa del Rey final victory over Real Madrid dates back to 1990, when they won 2-0.
Barcelona remains the record-holder for Copa del Rey titles with 31, their most recent triumph coming in the 2020/2021 season. They are now eyeing a third victory over Real Madrid this season, following a 4-0 thrashing at the Santiago Bernabéu last October.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, has struggled for consistency, suffering 12 defeats this season and bowing out of the Champions League quarterfinals after a heavy 5-1 aggregate loss to Arsenal.
Nonetheless, Madrid enters the final boosted by a narrow 1-0 win over Getafe in La Liga, keeping their faint title hopes alive.
Earlier this season, Real Madrid claimed the UEFA Super Cup in August and will participate in the FIFA Club World Cup set to kick off in mid-June in the United States.
However, the Champions League exit was a major blow, intensifying speculation over the future of Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti, who may face dismissal this summer. Reports suggest Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso is being considered as his successor.
Although the Copa del Rey was not a top priority for Real Madrid at the beginning of the season, it has now become critical. The pressure is undoubtedly heavier on Los Blancos, who are desperate to salvage their season with a cup triumph despite key absences.
Historically, Real Madrid has won four out of seven Copa del Rey finals against Barcelona. Their most recent cup encounter came in the 2023 semifinals, where Real Madrid triumphed with a resounding 4-0 victory.
Real Madrid faces significant defensive absences, including David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga due to muscle injuries, while Ferland Mendy’s fitness remains in doubt.
Fran García is expected to start at left-back, with Federico Valverde possibly being deployed there as a tactical alternative. Uncertainty also surrounds the availability of Kylian Mbappé, who is nursing an ankle injury ahead of the final.
(Source: dpa)
