Barcelona vs Real Madrid Preview: Team News & Prediction | 2024-25 Copa del Rey | Final
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This is the first of two crucial Clasico’s in the next couple of weeks with Spanish silverware on the line as Barcelona take on Real Madrid at La Cartuja in Seville in the Copa del Rey final.
Kick-off date/time: Saturday 26th April, 2025: UK – 9:00pm / US ET – 4:00pm / US PT – 1:00pm
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN+
How to watch online: UK – Premier Player & bet365 / US – ESPN+
Barcelona Preview: Brilliant Blaugrana
Barcelona are still going for the treble this season but the Blaugrana have hit a rocky patch in terms of their performance of late, edging past Real Mallorca by a goal to nil in Catalonia in midweek, albeit due to a superb performance from Mallorca goalkeeper Leo Roman.
Hansi Flick’s side are preparing for a UEFA Champions League semi-final tie against Internazionale in midweek as they currently sit four points clear at the top-of-the-table in La Liga above their Clasico rivals Real Madrid.
Real Madrid Preview: Trying to find a way
Real Madrid managed to maintain their title race in midweek as they edged past a mid-table Getafe side in a hard-fought clash at the Coliseum in the Community of Madrid courtesy of a 21st minute strike by Turkey international Arda Guler in a 1-0 victory.
Los Blancos have been underwhelming throughout the campaign with strong reports suggesting that Carlo Ancelotti will be departing the club at the end of this season or even potentially earlier. They can still finish this season having won four trophies, though.
Barcelona Team News: Key doubts
Robert Lewandowski limped off against Celta Vigo last week due to a hamstring injury that is expected to keep him out for a couple of weeks but Barca have remained tight-lipped, whilst left-back Alex Balde also remains a doubt for the Catalans this weekend.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin; De Jong, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Raphinha; Ferran Torres
Unavailable: Ter Stegen (Injured), Marc Bernal (Injured), Marc Casado (Injured)
Questionable: Alex Balde (Injured), Lewandowski (Injured)
Real Madrid Team News: Mbappe fit
Kylian Mbappe is believed to be fit enough for this weekend after suspension and then an ankle injury of late. The 4-1-2-1-2 has been deployed again by Ancelotti and does appear to be most effective at the moment so the dropping of one of the ‘galacticos’ is probable.
Predicted XI (4-1-2-1-2): Courtois; Fede Valverde, Raul Asencio, Rudiger, Fran Garcia; Tchouameni; Modric, Camavinga; Bellingham; Vinicius Junior, Mbappe
Unavailable: Militao (Injured), Dani Carvajal (Injured), Mendy (Injured)
Questionable: Mbappe (Injured)
Barcelona vs Real Madrid Prediction
Barcelona have badly exploited Real Madrid on a couple of occasions this season with a 4-0 demolition of Los Blancos in La Liga at the Bernabeu in October before a 5-2 demolition of Madrid in the final of the Supercopa in Riyadh in January. That would suggest Barca have their number both tactically and mentally at the moment with Madrid’s level only getting worse. Barca, though, are enduring a dip in form and the likely absence of Lewandowski is a big one, whilst Madrid potentially finally sacrificing one of their front three and returning to what worked last year may well be the key for the final month of the season and it could well be a good value bet to side with Ancelotti’s men at La Cartuja this weekend.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid Tip: Double chance – Real Madrid to win or draw
