Udaipur, April 26, 2025: 9-2! That's the combined score of the last two El Classicos. After crushing Real Madrid 4-0 in La Liga last October, Barcelona won the Spanish Super Cup 5-2 in January.

Whether these two matches will haunt Real again, or whether they will correct their mistakes and turn things around, remains to be seen. The two Spanish rivals will face off in the third El Clasico of the season at the Estadio de la Cartuja in Seville tonight."

This time, the fight is to take home the Copa del Rey trophy.

Barcelona is the king of the Copa del Rey with 31 titles, while Real Madrid has won it 20 times, making them the third-highest champions.

Head-to-Head Finals:

Real and Barca have met seven times in the final of this competition. Real leads with four wins, while Barcelona has won three. Let’s look at the strengths and weaknesses of Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid ahead of the eighth final between the two teams today.

Strengths

1. Mbappe’s Return, Balde's Absence

Kylian Mbappe missed the last two matches due to an ankle injury. The good news for Real is that he will return for tonight’s Copa del Rey final. With him, Real will have a strong attacking line-up: Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo. If these four click together on the field, any team, including Barcelona, will be in for a tough match.

Barcelona’s task may be easier because Alejandro Balde is out with a leg muscle injury. Balde was crucial in their previous matches against Real, particularly in keeping Mbappe quiet in La Liga’s El Clasico. He also scored in the Spanish Super Cup final against Real.

2. Lewandowski’s Absence

Barcelona’s top scorer in La Liga, Robert Lewandowski, will miss today’s match due to a hamstring injury. This is a big relief for Real, who have struggled with defense this season. Without Lewandowski, Barcelona will rely on Lamine Yamal and Rafinha, with Ferran Torres also likely to play in place of Lewandowski. Ferran is the top scorer in this season’s Copa del Rey.

3. Ancelotti’s Determination for a Memorable Farewell

Carlo Ancelotti’s contract with Real Madrid runs until June 2026, but there are indications that he might leave at the end of the season. The players have often been seen giving their all to make the coach’s final season memorable. Vinicius, Valverde, and Courtois may bring their best performances today to give Ancelotti one last trophy, boosting Real’s chances to defeat Barcelona.

Weaknesses

1. Flick’s Tactical Genius

Hansi Flick has impressed in his first season as Barcelona’s coach. His tactics have undone many of Ancelotti’s plans in the past. In one of the previous El Clasicos, Flick trapped Real's forwards by setting up a high-line defense. Later, they adapted and tore through Real’s defense. Flick could surprise Ancelotti again with a new strategy today.

2. Barcelona’s Excellent Form

Barcelona’s consistency this year has been a headache for Real Madrid. In 2025, Barca has won 22 out of 27 matches, drawing 4. Their only loss was against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarter-finals. Barcelona has scored goals in all 27 matches this year, including 13 matches where they scored at least four goals. These statistics will certainly worry Real fans.

3. The Absence of Benzema or Joselu

Real Madrid is missing Karim Benzema and Joselu this season. While Vinicius, Rodrigo, and Valverde create plenty of crosses into the box, Mbappe and Andreika have struggled to control the high balls and finish them. This lack of a consistent striker could hurt Real in this match.

4. Injury Crisis

Real Madrid’s injury problems continue. Experienced defenders Dani Carvajal and Militao are out for the season due to torn ligaments. Recently, young midfielder Eduardo Camavinga was also injured and will miss the rest of the season. It remains to be seen how Fran Garcia will fill the gap left by Camavinga in midfield.