Projected Starting Lineups for FC Barcelona vs. Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey Final.
FC Barcelona and Real Madrid Set for Third Showdown of the Season in Copa del Rey Final
FC Barcelona and Real Madrid will meet for the third time this season on Saturday, as Spanish football’s two giants face off in the Copa del Rey final at Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville.
Barcelona claimed victory in both previous encounters—thrashing Madrid 4-0 at the Santiago Bernabéu in October, then following it up with a 5-2 win in the Spanish Super Cup final held in Saudi Arabia this January.
Barça head into the final on the back of a narrow 1-0 home win over Mallorca on Tuesday, courtesy of a second-half goal from Dani Olmo. Hansi Flick’s side dominated possession with 78% and fired 14 shots on target, keeping Mallorca keeper Leo Román busy with 12 saves. The Blaugrana currently top the La Liga table with 76 points, four ahead of Real Madrid, with five matches left to play.
To reach the final, Barcelona edged Atlético Madrid in a thrilling two-legged semifinal, winning 5-4 on aggregate.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, beat Getafe 1-0 on Sunday despite being without Kylian Mbappé, who was sidelined due to an ankle injury. Carlo Ancelotti’s side also progressed through their semifinal with a 5-4 aggregate win over Real Sociedad—claiming a 1-0 first-leg win and settling for a dramatic 4-4 draw in the return leg.
The final will take place at the 70,000-seat Estadio de La Cartuja, which has hosted numerous Spanish national team fixtures in recent years.
Match Details:
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Date: Saturday, April 26
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Kickoff: 4 PM ET / 1 PM PT
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Venue: Estadio de La Cartuja, Seville
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US Broadcast: ESPN+, ESPN Deportes (Spanish), FuboTV
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Real Madrid:
Mbappé is expected to return to the starting lineup after serving a one-match suspension and recovering from a minor ankle injury. The French forward remains the only Real Madrid player, alongside Rodrygo, to score against Barcelona this season. The duo will start up front with Vinícius Jr., forming Madrid’s formidable attacking trio.
Eduardo Camavinga is ruled out with injury, paving the way for Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni to hold midfield, with Jude Bellingham positioned further forward. Fran García is likely to replace the injured Ferland Mendy at left-back.
Predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):
Thibaut Courtois (GK); Lucas Vázquez, Raúl Asencio, Antonio Rüdiger, Fran García; Federico Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni; Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Jr.; Kylian Mbappé
FC Barcelona:
Barça are dealing with a few injury concerns, most notably top scorer Robert Lewandowski, who is unlikely to feature. Ferran Torres is expected to lead the line in his place, having netted 17 goals and provided four assists this season.
Dani Olmo will operate in the No.10 role, supported by Lamine Yamal and Raphinha on the wings. At the back, Iñigo Martínez and Pau Cubarsí continue their solid center-back partnership, while Gerard Martin is expected to get the nod at left-back again. In midfield, Ballon d’Or frontrunner Pedri partners Frenkie de Jong.
Predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):
Wojciech Szczęsny (GK); Jules Koundé, Iñigo Martínez, Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martin; Frenkie de Jong, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Raphinha; Ferran Torres
