Barcelona aim to assert Clásico dominance in Copa del Rey final.
Barcelona Eye Clasico Statement as Copa del Rey Final Looms
Hansi Flick’s Barcelona are closing in on a potential quadruple this season, but standing in their way are eternal rivals Real Madrid.
While the Catalans are also semifinalists in the Champions League and widely seen as the top team in Spain right now, Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid remain in contention for both domestic trophies and won’t go down without a fight.
Madrid trail LaLiga leaders Barcelona by four points, with another league Clásico on the horizon in May. But first, the two Spanish giants clash in Seville on Saturday for the Copa del Rey title.
Barcelona have outclassed Madrid twice already this season. A 4-0 league thrashing at the Santiago Bernabéu in October was followed by a commanding 5-2 win in January’s Spanish Super Cup final — Flick’s first trophy at the helm.
Despite their dominance, Flick spoke respectfully of his opposite number.
“Real Madrid have an incredible squad and one of the best coaches in the world,” Flick said Tuesday. “Carlo has won it all — he’s a gentleman, and I have the utmost respect for him. On Saturday, we face Real Madrid, and of course, we face Carlo.”
Madrid will be tasked with containing midfield maestro Pedri and the electric wing duo of Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. Meanwhile, their own form has been patchy — already suffering 12 defeats this season, compared to just two in all competitions last year.
Barcelona reached the final by easing past Real Betis and narrowly edging Atletico Madrid. It’s their first Copa del Rey final since 2021, when they beat Athletic Bilbao. Real Madrid, who lifted the trophy last year, needed an extra-time winner from Antonio Rudiger to squeak past Real Sociedad 5–4 on aggregate in the semifinals.
After their Champions League exit to Arsenal earlier this month, Madrid are eager to salvage silverware and pride.
Both teams are dealing with injury setbacks. Barcelona are without top scorer Robert Lewandowski and fullback Alejandro Balde. Madrid, meanwhile, have lost Eduardo Camavinga for the season due to a groin injury.
Star forward Kylian Mbappé missed Madrid’s narrow 1-0 win at Getafe on Wednesday with an ankle issue, but Ancelotti confirmed he should be fit to face Barcelona. Still, tensions have flared — Mbappé was jeered by Madrid fans during their last home game when his face appeared on the big screens.
The Frenchman is chasing his first major domestic trophy with the club, having already won the European Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup.
Madrid’s attacking firepower — Mbappé, Vinicius Jr., Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo — can be devastating, but it often leaves the defense vulnerable.
“Maybe they’re the favorites, but a final is a final — anything can happen,” Ancelotti said. “We need to defend well, and I’m sure we’ll get chances.”
Barcelona are expected to start Gerard Martin at left-back in place of Balde, a potential weak spot Madrid may look to exploit through Rodrygo — though the Brazilian hasn’t scored in his last 11 appearances.
“He’s due a goal,” joked Ancelotti. “In these games, he always shows up. I believe in him.”
Rodrygo was the hero in Madrid’s 2023 Copa win, scoring both goals in the final against Osasuna. Madrid have won the competition 20 times, trailing Barcelona’s record 31 titles. Athletic Bilbao sit second with 24.
