Copa del Rey Final Preview & Prediction: Barcelona vs Real Madrid

One of the fiercest rivalries in world football returns this Saturday, as Barcelona and Real Madrid clash in the 2025 Copa del Rey final at Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville. With a major trophy on the line and both sides desperate for domestic success, this El Clasico promises fireworks in the Andalusian capital.

Copa del Rey Glory on the Line

Barcelona are chasing a record-extending 32nd Copa del Rey title, while Real Madrid seek their 21st Spanish Cup crown. The stakes are especially high for Los Blancos. They are under pressure following a painful Champions League quarter-final exit to Arsenal. For both clubs, this final offers a golden opportunity to claim bragging rights and silverware in one of the season’s marquee clashes.

Barcelona’s Remarkable Progress Under Hansi Flick

Hansi Flick’s first season at the helm has been nothing short of spectacular. The German tactician has rejuvenated the Catalan giants, with Barcelona already winning the Spanish Super Cup. They demolished Real Madrid 5-2 in Saudi Arabia earlier this year (in January). They sit four points clear at the top of La Liga with five games to go and are also semi-finalists in the Champions League. There they face Scudetto-holders Inter Milan.

Heading into the final, Barcelona are riding a wave of momentum, unbeaten in domestic competition since their 2-1 home loss to Atletico Madrid in La Liga just before Christmas. Meanwhile, their most recent La Liga outing saw them edge Mallorca 1-0, keeping their form sharp ahead of Saturday’s showdown.

Blaugrana head into the Copa del Rey final with a few notable absentees. Star striker Robert Lewandowski remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. The veteran is not expected to return until the next La Liga clash with Real Madrid, meaning Ferran Torres is expected to spearhead the attack. Defensively, young left-back Alejandro Balde has also failed to recover from his own hamstring issue, opening the door for promising La Masia product Gerard Martin to start. 

Elsewhere, midfielders Marc Casado and Marc Bernal are both long-term absentees. However, there is a major boost between the sticks as Marc-Andre ter Stegen returns after missing months with a serious knee injury. Nevertheless, reports suggest Wojciech Szczesny could retain his spot in goal for the final. 

Pau Cubarsi is likely to be recalled alongside Inigo Martinez, with Jules Kounde taking his usual place at right-back. In midfield, Frenkie de Jong and Pedri will dictate play, while in attack, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha are locked in as wide threats. Fermin Lopez is expected to operate in the number 10 role just behind Torres.

El Clasico in the Copa del Rey: A Rare Final Encounter

Despite decades of fierce rivalry, Barcelona and Real Madrid have only met in seven Copa del Rey finals. Madrid holds a slight edge with four wins to Barca’s three. The last time Barcelona beat Real in a Copa final was back in 1990, while Madrid triumphed in both 2011 and 2014. However, Blaugrana have already beaten their eternal rivals twice this season, including a 4-0 rout at the Bernabeu in La Liga last October.

Barcelona’s last Copa del Rey triumph came in the 2020–21 season, and they’ll be determined to reclaim the trophy with yet another statement victory over their biggest rivals.

Real Madrid: Seeking Redemption Amid Uncertainty

Carlo Ancelotti’s side come into the final following a narrow 1-0 win over Getafe (their third 1-0 La Liga victory in a row), with young talent Arda Guler finding the net. Despite trailing in La Liga, the result keeps their title hopes alive, if only mathematically (or not?).

Earlier in the season, Real Madrid captured the UEFA Super Cup, and they will soon take part in the revamped Club World Cup. However, the spotlight has shifted to domestic success following their humbling 5-1 aggregate defeat to Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals. That heavy defeat has sparked intense speculation over Carlo Ancelotti’s future. Current Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso is reportedly lined up as his successor.

That makes this Copa del Rey final more than just a trophy match – it could mark the end of an era for Ancelotti and possibly the beginning of a new chapter for Real Madrid.

Los Blancos have injury concerns of their own. Eduardo Camavinga has been ruled out for the remainder of the season following an adductor injury picked up against Getafe. Defensive stalwarts Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao also remain unavailable due to long-term knee injuries. 

On a positive note, Ferland Mendy and Kylian Mbappe are back in the squad, with Mbappe expected to start despite a minor ankle scare against Arsenal. Fran Garcia should slot in at left-back, while Lucas Vazquez will continue to deputize on the right. At the heart of the backline, experienced Antonio Rudiger partners young center-back Raul Asencio.  

Aurelien Tchouameni will anchor the midfield alongside Federico Valverde. This provides balance for the dynamic attacking trio of Rodrygo Goes, Jude Bellingham, and Vinicius Junior behind lone striker Kylian Mbappe. 

Possible Starting Lineups of Barcelona and Real Madrid 

Barcelona: Wojciech Szczesny – Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Gerard Martin – Frenkie de Jong, Pedri – Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Raphinha – Ferran Torres. (4-2-3-1) 

Real Madrid: Thibaut Courtois – Lucas Vazquez, Raul Asencio, Antonio Rudiger, Fran Garcia – Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde – Rodrygo Goes, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior – Kylian Mbappe. (4-2-3-1) 

Spooky Express Betting Picks

This Copa del Rey final looks incredibly well-matched on paper. Barcelona’s superior form, tactical cohesion, and psychological edge after two Clasico wins earlier this season cannot be ignored. Real Madrid possess devastating attacking threats, especially if Kylian Mbappe is fully fit. However, their defensive injuries and the pressure surrounding Carlo Ancelotti’s future may tilt the balance in Barca’s favor.

Therefore, Blaugrana to win is the main bookmaker recommendation according to the latest betting odds from EveryGame on Saturday morning. However, given the attacking firepower on both sides, there is excellent value in several goal-related markets and goalscorer props.

For those expecting another dramatic and open Clasico, backing Over 1.5 goals in the first half offers solid value. Meanwhile, anytime goal scorer bets on either side’s electric wingers – Vinicius (+175), Yamal (+275), or Raphinha (+180) – could pay dividends.

Spooky Express Free Play: 1st Half Goals – Over 1.5 (+100) at EveryGame for 5/10 Units

Spooky Express Free Play 2: Kylian Mbappe Anytime Goal scorer (+110) at EveryGame for 5/10 Units