Copa Del Rey Finals Preview: Barcelona vs. Real Madrid

The stage is set for the finals of the Spanish Copa Del Rey at the Estadio de La Cartuja in Sevilla later today, Saturday, 26th April 2025, at exactly 20:00 GMT. The much-anticipated fixture is set to be played between Real Madrid and Barcelona. The rivalry’s history between these two clubs is rich with memorable goals, red cards, and tactical battles.

Pre-Match News.

Prior to the game, reports had it that Real Madrid Football Club suggested to RFEF, the governing body of referees in Spanish football, that they should change the team of referees selected to officiate the Copa Del Rey Finals, or else they would boycott the Copa Del Rey Finals, as they thought the selected referee team, in their earlier interactions with the press, made a statement that the club didn’t like.

In the press interactions, the selected center referee De Burgos Bengoetxea had this to say: “What we are going through isn’t fair. It is heartbreaking when my son goes to school and has to hear stuff like, His father is a thief.”

Team News.

Both football clubs have named their squad for the clash tomorrow, leaving out some notable stars from each team. Football Club Barcelona will be without the services of their experienced striker Lewandowski, who picked up a hamstring injury in their last league game against Celta.

Also, experienced left back Alejandro Balde will not be in Hansi Flick’s setup, as he is also lost to a hamstring injury.

Barcelona captain and goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen has made a return to the team after he suffered a long-term knee injury. The 32-year-old goalkeeper was named in Hansi’ Flick’s squad for the game, but he is likely not to start.

Real Madrid, on the other hand, is likely to be without the services of Kylian Mbappé, as the player is suffering with an ankle injury.

Team Formation and Strategies.

Hansi Flick is likely to start with a 4-2-3-1 formation that has Szczesny as the goalkeeper and Iñigo Martínez, Cubarsí, Araujo, and Kounde in defense. Pedri and De Jong as double pivots and Raphinha, Olmo, Yamal, and Ferran up front. Carlo Ancelotti, on the other hand, is likely to start with a 4-4-2 formation. Courtois in the post. Lucas Asencio, Rudiger, and Mendy in defense. Valverde, Tchouameni, Ceballos, and Bellingham in the midfield with Rodrygo and Vini Jnr leading the attack.

Predictions.

Performance wise, the winniner of this Copa Del Rey El Classico final can be Hansi Flick’s side FC Barcelona who have performed well this season both in the Spanish LaLiga and also the UEFA Champions league. Real Madri has lost twice this season to Barcelona conceding a total of 9 goals.