*Match preview and betting tips provided by SVB Tips
Barça Form & Momentum: Barcelona come into the final with strong domestic form, having won both of their recent home league matches against Celta Vigo and Mallorca. While both were narrow victories, the Catalans showed attacking power and slight defensive vulnerabilities. Sitting four points ahead of Real Madrid in La Liga, Barça carry excellent momentum into this clash.
Hansi Flick’s side has only suffered one defeat in 2025 — the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final at Dortmund, a match that had little significance after their 4-0 first-leg triumph. Flick has a perfect record against Madrid, winning all three encounters so far: two competitive (league and Super Cup) and one pre-season friendly.
Barcelona, the most successful club in Copa del Rey history with 31 titles, have beaten Real Madrid in three previous finals, most recently in 1990. If Flick wins again, he will become only the second Barça coach to win his first three competitive matches against Real Madrid — the first being Pep Guardiola, who won his first five.
Barcelona Team News: Flick faces two injury setbacks: left-back Alejandro Balde is out and will be replaced by Gerard Martin, while Robert Lewandowski is also unavailable, with Ferran Torres set to lead the line. Lamine Yamal and Raphinha will flank the attack, with Dani Olmo playing behind the striker, and Pedri and Frenkie de Jong anchoring the midfield.
Real Madrid’s Recent Struggles: Real Madrid bounced back from their Champions League exit with back-to-back 1-0 wins in La Liga — against Athletic Bilbao at the Bernabéu and away at Getafe. However, performances were underwhelming, exposing issues both in defence and attack.
Los Blancos have lifted the Copa del Rey 20 times, last doing so in 2023. They’ve beaten Barcelona in the last two finals they faced — in 2011, when Cristiano Ronaldo scored an extra-time winner, and in 2014, when Gareth Bale’s iconic solo run sealed a 2-1 victory.
Rumors are swirling about Carlo Ancelotti’s possible departure at season’s end, making this final a golden chance for the Italian to sign off with silverware. The two sides are also scheduled to meet again in La Liga on May 11.
Real Madrid Team News: Eduardo Camavinga is out for the season after an adductor injury. Valverde is expected to play at right-back, with Ferland Mendy returning from injury on the left. Asensio and Rüdiger will likely form the center-back pairing. In midfield, Tchouaméni, Ceballos, and Bellingham are the likely starters, though Brahim Díaz could feature. Up front, Mbappé — now fit after a sprained ankle — will join Vinicius Jr.
Head-to-Head This Season: Barcelona have beaten Real Madrid twice this season — a 4-0 win at the Bernabéu and a 5-2 thrashing in the Spanish Super Cup held in Saudi Arabia. The last Copa del Rey final between them was in 2014, when Real won 2-1 in extra time.
Betting Suggestions:
- Both Teams to Score – YES : Both sides have shown defensive inconsistencies but high attacking potential, especially with players like Mbappé, Vinicius, Yamal, and Raphinha on the pitch.
- Over 2.5 Goals : Recent Clásicos have been goal-heavy. Given both teams' styles and high stakes, expect an open match.
- Barcelona to Lift the trophy : Flick’s record vs Madrid and Barça’s current form gives them an edge, despite key absences.
- Anytime Scorer: Lamine Yamal or Vinicius Jr. Both have been in fine attacking form and are likely to find chances.