The stage is set for another chapter in football’s greatest rivalry as Barcelona and Real Madrid face off in the Copa del Rey final. An El Clásico with a trophy on the line adds extra intensity to the game. Both clubs making the final of this glorious Spanish domestic cup final is another proof of their dominance in Spanish Football.
Road to the Final
Here is the pathway, how both clubs clinched the final spot in this season’s Copa del Rey.
1-Barcelona
Barcelona’s Copa del Rey journey started off with a 4-0 win against Barbastro in Round of 32.
The Catalans faced La Liga side Real Betis in the Round of 16, where Barcelona comfortably won with a score-line of 5-0.
Barcelona later got the triumph over Valencia away from home in the Quarter-Finals, with another convincing 5-0 win.
Barcelona then edged past Atletico in the semi-finals, with a score of 5-4 on aggregate.
2-Real Madrid
Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey journey started off with a 5-0 win against Deportivo Minara in the Round of 32.
The Madrid side then faced La Liga side Celta Vigo in the Round of 16, where Real Madrid secured a strong 5-2 victory.
In the Quarter-Finals, Real Madrid triumphed over Leganés with a narrow but important 3-2 win.
Real Madrid then edged past Real Sociedad in the semi-finals with a 5-4 win on aggregate, booking their place in the final.
Key Players to Watch
For Barcelona, Pedri remains crucial being in great form, being crucial in every game. His creative touch and composure on the ball give Barcelona an edge in the midfield clash. Another name to watch out for is Lamine Yamal, the youngster is having a great season, showcasing his flair and ability to decide games. Raphinha is another name who can decide these games and is key for Barcelona.
From Madrid’s side, Jude Bellingham is a player to watch, as he brings energy and relentless pressing to the midfield. Vini Jr and Rodrygo will look to exploit Barcelona’s defense with their fiery pace and trickery. Thibaut Courtois is another name who could be decisive for Madrid in goal. Another player who could be a dangerous one to hold is Kylian Mbappe, he is in great form but would return from injury for the Copa del Rey final.
What to Expect?
Barcelona is the better team in terms of playing style and form, Madrid is the better team on paper, but are not having the best of their season and are underperforming. But this is a final and anything could happen. Barcelona should look to have more possession of the ball and hurt Madrid when they get the key opportunities. Barcelona should go into the game with a strong mentality to win the game and achieve the silverware. We’ve already defeated this Madrid side twice this season, with a big margin and we should do it again. Previous games should be kept out of mind because form doesn’t matter in these games, anything could happen.