The upcoming Copa del Rey final on Saturday marks the third El Clasico encounter of the season, and arguably the most significant. Despite numerous scoring chances for both teams throughout the campaign, one consistent trend has emerged: Barcelona`s overwhelming superiority in their head-to-head matchups this year.
Under manager Hansi Flick, Barcelona has not only triumphed in both prior Clasicos this season, but they have also secured these victories with substantial score differences. These matches have highlighted Barcelona`s renewed strength under Flick, who has capitalized on Lamine Yamal`s development and impressively revitalized players like Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha. Although Lewandowski, their top scorer with 40 goals across all competitions, will be absent from the final due to injury, Barcelona`s other key players are anticipated to feature, ensuring the team remains a strong contender on Saturday.
In contrast, this season`s Clasico meetings have exposed unexpected weaknesses within Real Madrid`s otherwise talented squad. Following their La Liga and Champions League wins last season, the arrival of Kylian Mbappe was anticipated to prolong their era of success. However, the flaws overlooked during last season`s triumphs have hindered Real Madrid this campaign, placing them at a disadvantage before the Copa del Rey final. Nevertheless, with a significant trophy at stake, the match could potentially be a much closer contest than the earlier encounters.
Before the next chapter in football`s legendary rivalry unfolds, let`s review the Clasico matches played earlier in the season.
Match Details and Betting Odds
- Date: Sunday, April 26 | Time: 4 p.m. ET
- Location: Estadio de La Cartuja, Seville, Spain
- Live stream information available via: ESPN+
- Opening Odds: Barcelona +105; Draw +280; Real Madrid +200
October 26, 2024: Real Madrid 0, Barcelona 4
Barcelona began the season in promising form, but late October presented their true test: a Champions League clash against Bayern Munich followed by El Clasico three days later. They excelled in both, first crushing Bayern 4-1 at home before securing a dominant 4-0 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu. This fall Clasico perfectly encapsulated Barcelona`s positive trajectory under Hansi Flick, featuring goals from Lewandowski (a brace), Yamal, and Raphinha. Conversely, it reflected Real Madrid`s struggles, notably with Vinicius Junior and Mbappe failing to find the net. Mbappe`s challenging start in the Spanish capital included this match, contributing to a currently less-than-positive reception, as evidenced by recent boos from Madrid fans.
Barcelona`s convincing win also significantly impacted the La Liga title race at the time, establishing a six-point lead over Real Madrid.
January 12, 2025: Real Madrid 2, Barcelona 5
The clubs next met in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for the Spanish Super Cup final. Barcelona again emerged victorious. Despite Mbappe giving Madrid an early lead just five minutes in, Barcelona quickly responded, building a commanding 4-1 halftime advantage with goals from Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Alejandro Balde. Raphinha added another goal early in the second half, providing a cushion large enough to withstand Wojciech Szczesny`s 56th-minute red card. Although Rodrygo scored from the resulting free kick, it wasn`t enough to alter the outcome of the match.
Future Clasico Encounters
Saturday`s Clasico is elevated by the significant trophy at stake. The Copa del Rey represents the first major piece of silverware available to either team this season, and potentially their only one. Real Madrid are not the current favorites in La Liga, and while Barcelona remain in contention for the league and Champions League, neither trophy is guaranteed at this point.
One final Clasico is scheduled for May 11 in Barcelona. This match could hold crucial implications for the La Liga title race, with only three league games remaining after that encounter.
