FC Barcelona and Real Madrid are set to face each other once again this season, this time in the 2025 Copa del Rey final in Seville. After a wave of controversy surrounding the event in recent hours, both teams are expected to go all out, although injuries will leave some key players sidelined.
Fans grew concerned about the possibility of the final being canceled following controversy sparked by Friday’s referees’ press conference, which led Real Madrid to cancel their own media appearance and suspend their open training session. Reports even suggested that Los Blancos were considering returning to Madrid without playing the final.
However, Real Madrid have dismissed that possibility, and the final will go ahead — albeit in a heated atmosphere for both sides and the officiating crew. Despite the drama, Los Blancos are not in their best form, having been eliminated from the Champions League and struggling in La Liga. One major blow is Kylian Mbappe, who hasn’t recovered completely from his injury suffered against Arsenal, and will start the game on the bench.
Meanwhile, Barcelona are enjoying a fantastic run. They are semifinalists in the Champions League, leaders in La Liga, and in pursuit of a treble. However, Los Cules will be missing key players due to injury, including star striker Robert Lewandowski and defender Alejandro Balde — last-minute absences that could impact their performance.
El Clásico: A historic duel in the Copa del Rey final
Real Madrid and Barcelona have already faced each other twice this season, with the Blaugrana victorious on both occasions: a 4-0 win in La Liga and a 5-2 triumph in the Spanish Super Cup. Now, they will clash again with another major trophy on the line, adding another chapter to a storied rivalry.
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This will mark the eighth time the two sides meet in a Copa del Rey final. Real Madrid currently hold the edge with four wins (1936, 1974, 2011, and 2014), while Barcelona have claimed three (1968, 1983, and 1990). In the 2025 edition, either Los Blancos will extend their lead, or Los Cules will even the historic final record.
Confirmed lineups for Barcelona and Real Madrid
FC Barcelona’s confirmed lineup (4-3-3): Wojcech Szczesny; Jules Kounde, Inigo Martinez, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin; Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Dani Olmo; Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Raphinha.Head coach: Hansi Flick.
Real Madrid’s confirmed lineup (4-4-2): Thibaut Courtois, Lucas Vazquez, Raul Asencio, Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy; Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, Dani Ceballos, Jude Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr.Head coach: Carlo Ancelotti.
