The stage is set for another electrifying El Clásico as Real Madrid and Barcelona prepare to battle for the Copa Del Rey trophy this Saturday in Seville. While Carlo Ancelotti’s Los Blancos have dominated European football in recent years, it’s Hansi Flick’s Barcelona who enter the match as clear favorites after comprehensively outplaying Madrid in both previous encounters this season.
Barcelona’s Dominance This Season
The numbers tell a compelling story. Barcelona thrashed Real Madrid 4-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu in October, then followed up with an even more emphatic 5-2 victory in the Spanish Super Cup final in January. These lopsided results have established Barcelona as Spain’s most formidable team this season, with Flick’s squad also maintaining a four-point lead in La Liga and advancing to the Champions League semi-finals.
When asked about facing Barcelona again, Ancelotti acknowledged the challenge: “Maybe they are the favorites, but a final is a final, and anything can happen. We have to defend well, and I am convinced that we will defend well and have opportunities in attack.”
A Tale of Two Trajectories
The contrast between both giants couldn’t be more stark. Madrid has already lost 12 matches across all competitions this season, compared to just two losses during their previous campaign. Meanwhile, Barcelona are chasing a potential quadruple under Flick’s impressive leadership.
Despite Barcelona’s recent dominance, Flick was respectful when discussing his counterpart: “Real Madrid has an incredible team and one of the best coaches in the world… He (Ancelotti) has won everything. He’s a gentleman… I have the highest respect.”
Key Battles and Missing Players
Both sides enter Saturday’s final with significant injury concerns. Barcelona will be without top scorer Robert Lewandowski and promising left-back Alejandro Balde. Madrid suffered a blow when Eduardo Camavinga was ruled out for the remainder of the season with a groin injury.
All eyes will be on Kylian Mbappé, who missed Madrid’s recent 1-0 win over Getafe due to an ankle problem but is expected to be fit for the final. The French superstar will be eager to silence critics after being whistled at by Madrid fans during their victory against Athletic Bilbao.
Barcelona’s dynamic wingers Lamine Yamal and Raphinha have tormented defenses all season, while midfield maestro Pedri will look to control the tempo of the match. Ancelotti must devise a strategy to neutralize these threats while maintaining Madrid’s attacking potency.
History and Legacy at Stake
This matchup carries significant historical weight beyond just the current season’s rivalry. Barcelona holds the record for most Copa del Rey victories with 31 trophies, while Madrid sits third with 20 triumphs.
For Mbappé, this represents a chance to claim his first major trophy with Real Madrid after joining the club last summer. Meanwhile, Rodrygo, who scored both goals in Madrid’s Copa del Rey final victory over Osasuna two years ago, will be looking to regain his scoring touch after a dry spell spanning 11 matches.
“On a statistical level he has to play because if he’s not scored in all that time, well, he has to sooner or later,” Ancelotti said with a smile. “In these types of matches he always scores, and I believe in him completely.”
The Final Verdict
Whereas Barcelona comes in as favorites based on their commanding performances this season, knockout finals usually go against form and expectations. Madrid’s experience and title-winning class can never be written off, particularly in a single-game situation with a trophy to win.
With Madrid behind in La Liga and out of the Champions League, this Copa del Rey final assumes greater importance for Ancelotti’s team. A win would not only bring a trophy but also some pride after their past humiliations at the hands of Barcelona.
When these Spanish titans meet at La Cartuja stadium on Saturday, anticipate tactical complexity, individual genius, and the passion that only El Clásico can provide. The question is, can Ancelotti discover the formula to halt Flick’s soaring Barcelona, or will the Blaugrana maintain their supremacy over their age-old rivals?
