The 2025 Copa del Rey final at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville erupted with excitement as Pedri scored a stunning goal at the 28th minute, giving Barcelona a 1-0 lead over Real Madrid. The young midfielder, assisted brilliantly by Lamine Yamal, finished with precision after a flowing move down the right, igniting the 26,031 Blaugrana fans in attendance. The match, the first final between the rivals since 2014, remains intense, with Barcelona dominating attacking play and Real Madrid scrambling to respond. The electric atmosphere, with 40% of the stadium’s capacity split between the two fanbases, reflects the historic El Clásico rivalry. Off-field controversies, key player injuries, and a yellow card for Carlo Ancelotti add further tension to the game, broadcast to over 135 countries.
Barcelona set the tempo from the start, leveraging the speed of Lamine Yamal and Raphinha on the wings and Pedri’s creativity in midfield. The goal, crafted with a pinpoint pass from Yamal, showcased the connection between the club’s young talents, pivotal in their Copa del Rey campaign. Earlier, Yamal had threatened at the 18th minute with a low shot that grazed Thibaut Courtois’ post. Real Madrid struggled to create clear chances, with their first opportunity coming only at the 22nd minute through a Fran García move thwarted by Barcelona’s defense. The absence of Kylian Mbappé from the starting lineup, due to an ankle injury, limits Real’s attacking firepower, leaving them reliant on Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo to chase an equalizer.
The match has also seen moments of friction. At the 25th minute, Carlo Ancelotti received a yellow card for protesting, reflecting Real Madrid’s frustration with referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea’s decisions. The game, which kicked off at 5:00 p.m. (Brasília time), is being played under intense pressure, with Barcelona capitalizing on Robert Lewandowski’s absence to field a dynamic attack led by Ferran Torres. The evenly split crowd creates a vibrant spectacle, with tickets sold out at prices ranging from 72 to 270 euros.
Off-field tensions heat up the final
The buildup to the final was overshadowed by a refereeing controversy. Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, the appointed referee, gave an emotional press conference on Friday, addressing criticism from Real Madrid over his past performances. The Merengue club, via its official TV channel, questioned the referee’s impartiality, citing alleged errors in matches against Barcelona. The situation prompted Real Madrid to issue a statement denying rumors of a potential boycott and confirming their participation.
Real Madrid also opted out of sending representatives to the Spanish Football Federation’s official dinner on Friday in Seville and withheld Carlo Ancelotti and players from the pre-match press conference. The move, seen as a response to the refereeing tensions, drew criticism in the Spanish media. Meanwhile, Barcelona, under Hansi Flick, stayed focused, with the German coach emphasizing the need to honor the 26,031 fans who traveled to Seville, many via trains (3,300) and buses (1,022).
Outside the stadium, fan rivalries flared. Clashes between Barcelona ultras and local police led to one arrest, while Real Madrid supporters were involved in disturbances near La Cartuja. Authorities bolstered security around the stadium, which has a capacity of 57,600 but was configured to host about 65,000 spectators, with designated fan zones: Barcelona’s in the south stand near Avenida Carlos III and Real Madrid’s in the Alamillo Park parking lot.
💥 GOAL BARÇA! PEDRI! 1-0! #ELCLÁSICO pic.twitter.com/1jYZvxZxLJ
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 26, 2025
Injuries force tactical adjustments
Injuries have significantly shaped both teams’ strategies. For Barcelona, the absence of Robert Lewandowski, injured in the thigh during a 4-3 win over Celta Vigo, poses a major challenge. The La Liga top scorer with 25 goals this season will be sidelined for about three weeks, forcing Hansi Flick to rely on Ferran Torres up top. Other absences include Alejandro Balde, Marc Casado, and Marc Bernal, limiting options in midfield and defense.
Real Madrid faces its own issues. Kylian Mbappé, the season’s marquee signing, started on the bench due to an ankle injury from the Champions League loss to Arsenal. Ferland Mendy, another key player, requested a substitution at the 8th minute with groin pain, replaced by Fran García. Real’s injury list also includes David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga, hurt in a 1-0 La Liga win over Getafe. These absences force Carlo Ancelotti to adapt, with Federico Valverde in a deeper role and Raúl Asencio in defense.
Despite the absences, both teams fielded strong lineups. Barcelona started with Wojciech Szczesny; Jules Koundé, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martín; Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Fermín López; Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Ferran Torres. Real Madrid lined up with Thibaut Courtois; Lucas Vázquez, Antonio Rüdiger, Raúl Asencio, Fran García; Federico Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni; Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior; and Kylian Mbappé, initially on the bench.
- Barcelona absences: Robert Lewandowski (thigh), Alejandro Balde, Marc Casado, Marc Bernal (injured).
- Real Madrid absences: Kylian Mbappé (bench, ankle), David Alaba, Eduardo Camavinga (injured), Ferland Mendy (substituted at 8 minutes).
- Tactical impact: Barcelona relies on Yamal and Pedri’s dynamism, while Real banks on Tchouaméni’s solidity and Bellingham’s vision.
Minute-by-minute: key moments defining the game
Barcelona controlled the first 29 minutes, culminating in Pedri’s wondergoal. Below are the standout moments so far:
- 1’: Ferran Torres bursts into the box from the left and attempts a cross to Raphinha, but Tchouaméni clears for a corner.
- 8’: Ferland Mendy feels groin pain and is replaced by Fran García.
- 15’: Raphinha delivers a low cross to Ferran Torres, but Valverde intercepts. The ball hits Valverde’s hand, but the referee deems it a natural position and denies a penalty.
- 18’: Lamine Yamal cuts inside from the right and fires a low shot that skims Courtois’ post.
- 28’: Pedri receives a pass from Lamine Yamal and strikes a beautiful shot from outside the box, scoring Barcelona’s first goal.
The road to the final: resilience and balance
Barcelona reached the final with a strong Copa del Rey campaign. In the semifinals, they faced Atlético de Madrid in two gripping matches. The first leg ended in a 4-4 draw at Camp Nou, full of twists. The return leg at the Metropolitano saw a 1-0 win, with Ferran Torres scoring, securing their spot. Hansi Flick’s team showed resilience amid a season marred by injuries. The qualification marked Barcelona’s return to a Copa del Rey final after four years, since their 2021 title against Athletic Bilbao.
Real Madrid’s journey was equally demanding. In the semifinals, they took on Real Sociedad in two tight games. A 1-0 win in the first leg was followed by a thrilling 4-4 draw in San Sebastián, with standout performances from Thibaut Courtois and goals from Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo. The final berth boosted the team’s confidence as they chase their 21st title, though their Champions League exit to Arsenal and criticism of Carlo Ancelotti have heightened pressure.
The teams have met twice this season, with Barcelona dominating. In the Spanish Super Cup in January, the Catalans won 5-2, led by Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo. In October, in La Liga, Barcelona thrashed Real Madrid 4-0 at the Santiago Bernabéu, cementing Hansi Flick as the favorite. Ancelotti, however, noted that finals are unique, and Real Madrid often rises to the occasion.
⚠️ 𝙎𝘾𝙊𝙍𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝘾𝙃𝘼𝙉𝘾𝙀! Lamine Yamal rolls one juuuuuuust wide! 😳#ElClásico #CopaBarça pic.twitter.com/SgCg6l2fCy
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 26, 2025
The historic El Clásico rivalry
Barcelona and Real Madrid have clashed 18 times in Copa del Rey finals, with Real Madrid holding an 11-7 edge. Their last final meeting was in 2014, when Real won 2-1, with goals from Ángel Di María and Gareth Bale. Barcelona, however, is the competition’s most successful club, with 31 titles, followed by Athletic Bilbao (24) and Real Madrid (20).
El Clásico carries a rivalry that transcends sport, rooted in history and culture. For Barcelona, a win would be a step toward the “Treble” (La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Champions League), achieved in 2009 and 2015. For Real Madrid, the game offers a chance to salvage a season of highs and lows, including an early Champions League exit.
- Copa del Rey final record: Real Madrid 11 x 7 Barcelona.
- Last final between them: 2014, Real Madrid won 2-1.
- Top winners: Barcelona (31 titles), Athletic Bilbao (24), Real Madrid (20).
What to expect in the coming minutes
With 29 minutes played, Barcelona holds the lead and controls the game. Pedri’s goal, assisted by Lamine Yamal, boosts the Catalans’ confidence as they keep pressing. Real Madrid must respond quickly, with Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham as their main hopes for an equalizer. Fran García’s substitution for Mendy puts the full-back under pressure against an inspired Yamal.
For Barcelona, Ferran Torres faces the challenge of leading the attack without Lewandowski, while Dani Olmo’s movement could prove decisive. For Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappé’s potential second-half entry is a trump card for Ancelotti. The Frenchman, despite not being fully fit, has 32 goals this season and could shift the game’s momentum. The refereeing, led by Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, remains a focal point after Ancelotti’s yellow card and the controversial Valverde handball call.
The evenly split crowd keeps the atmosphere electric. The Copa del Rey final is more than a trophy—it’s a pivotal chapter in football’s most iconic rivalry, with stakes far beyond the scoreline.
The final’s impact on Spanish football
The Copa del Rey final carries significant weight for Spanish football. A Barcelona win would cement their resurgence under Hansi Flick, who transformed a club in financial turmoil into a powerhouse. Their La Liga lead, with 66 points, and Champions League semifinal berth highlight their form.
Real Madrid, second in La Liga with 63 points, needs the title to restore faith among fans and the board. The season has seen criticism of Ancelotti, and a loss to their arch-rivals could fuel talk of his exit. A win would mark Real’s third trophy this season, after the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
The outcome could also shape their next La Liga clash on May 11 at Montjuïc Stadium. With just three points separating them, the psychological edge will be crucial in that potentially title-deciding match.
Curiosities of the Copa del Rey final
The 2025 final is rich with stories that enhance the matchup:
- La Cartuja Stadium: Hosted the 2024 final, where Athletic Bilbao beat Mallorca on penalties.
- Global reach: The game is broadcast to over 135 countries, cementing the Copa del Rey’s massive audience.
- Young star: Lamine Yamal, at 17, is the youngest player on the pitch, with 10 goals and 3 assists this season.
- Historic rivalry: This is the 260th official meeting between Barcelona and Real Madrid, with 105 Real wins, 102 Barcelona wins, and 52 draws.
- Refereeing tension: Real Madrid’s criticism of Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea reignited debates about refereeing in Spain.
The game’s dynamics so far
Barcelona continues to dictate possession and create the best chances, while Real Madrid struggles to regroup after Pedri’s goal. The Yamal-Pedri connection has been the game’s highlight, with the youngsters showing poise on such a grand stage. Real’s defense, led by Antonio Rüdiger and Raúl Asencio, is under pressure to contain Barcelona’s wing play.
The refereeing remains a sensitive issue. Ancelotti’s yellow card and the no-penalty call on Valverde’s handball sparked complaints from both sides, and further errors could reignite controversy. With the score at 1-0, the game promises more drama, and Real Madrid will need creativity to overturn the deficit.
REAL MADRID CLUB DE FÚTBOL pic.twitter.com/SzQr1ZfMFw
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) April 26, 2025

The 2025 Copa del Rey final at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville erupted with excitement as Pedri scored a stunning goal at the 28th minute, giving Barcelona a 1-0 lead over Real Madrid. The young midfielder, assisted brilliantly by Lamine Yamal, finished with precision after a flowing move down the right, igniting the 26,031 Blaugrana fans in attendance. The match, the first final between the rivals since 2014, remains intense, with Barcelona dominating attacking play and Real Madrid scrambling to respond. The electric atmosphere, with 40% of the stadium’s capacity split between the two fanbases, reflects the historic El Clásico rivalry. Off-field controversies, key player injuries, and a yellow card for Carlo Ancelotti add further tension to the game, broadcast to over 135 countries.
Barcelona set the tempo from the start, leveraging the speed of Lamine Yamal and Raphinha on the wings and Pedri’s creativity in midfield. The goal, crafted with a pinpoint pass from Yamal, showcased the connection between the club’s young talents, pivotal in their Copa del Rey campaign. Earlier, Yamal had threatened at the 18th minute with a low shot that grazed Thibaut Courtois’ post. Real Madrid struggled to create clear chances, with their first opportunity coming only at the 22nd minute through a Fran García move thwarted by Barcelona’s defense. The absence of Kylian Mbappé from the starting lineup, due to an ankle injury, limits Real’s attacking firepower, leaving them reliant on Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo to chase an equalizer.
The match has also seen moments of friction. At the 25th minute, Carlo Ancelotti received a yellow card for protesting, reflecting Real Madrid’s frustration with referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea’s decisions. The game, which kicked off at 5:00 p.m. (Brasília time), is being played under intense pressure, with Barcelona capitalizing on Robert Lewandowski’s absence to field a dynamic attack led by Ferran Torres. The evenly split crowd creates a vibrant spectacle, with tickets sold out at prices ranging from 72 to 270 euros.
Off-field tensions heat up the final
The buildup to the final was overshadowed by a refereeing controversy. Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, the appointed referee, gave an emotional press conference on Friday, addressing criticism from Real Madrid over his past performances. The Merengue club, via its official TV channel, questioned the referee’s impartiality, citing alleged errors in matches against Barcelona. The situation prompted Real Madrid to issue a statement denying rumors of a potential boycott and confirming their participation.
Real Madrid also opted out of sending representatives to the Spanish Football Federation’s official dinner on Friday in Seville and withheld Carlo Ancelotti and players from the pre-match press conference. The move, seen as a response to the refereeing tensions, drew criticism in the Spanish media. Meanwhile, Barcelona, under Hansi Flick, stayed focused, with the German coach emphasizing the need to honor the 26,031 fans who traveled to Seville, many via trains (3,300) and buses (1,022).
Outside the stadium, fan rivalries flared. Clashes between Barcelona ultras and local police led to one arrest, while Real Madrid supporters were involved in disturbances near La Cartuja. Authorities bolstered security around the stadium, which has a capacity of 57,600 but was configured to host about 65,000 spectators, with designated fan zones: Barcelona’s in the south stand near Avenida Carlos III and Real Madrid’s in the Alamillo Park parking lot.
💥 GOAL BARÇA! PEDRI! 1-0! #ELCLÁSICO pic.twitter.com/1jYZvxZxLJ
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 26, 2025
Injuries force tactical adjustments
Injuries have significantly shaped both teams’ strategies. For Barcelona, the absence of Robert Lewandowski, injured in the thigh during a 4-3 win over Celta Vigo, poses a major challenge. The La Liga top scorer with 25 goals this season will be sidelined for about three weeks, forcing Hansi Flick to rely on Ferran Torres up top. Other absences include Alejandro Balde, Marc Casado, and Marc Bernal, limiting options in midfield and defense.
Real Madrid faces its own issues. Kylian Mbappé, the season’s marquee signing, started on the bench due to an ankle injury from the Champions League loss to Arsenal. Ferland Mendy, another key player, requested a substitution at the 8th minute with groin pain, replaced by Fran García. Real’s injury list also includes David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga, hurt in a 1-0 La Liga win over Getafe. These absences force Carlo Ancelotti to adapt, with Federico Valverde in a deeper role and Raúl Asencio in defense.
Despite the absences, both teams fielded strong lineups. Barcelona started with Wojciech Szczesny; Jules Koundé, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martín; Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Fermín López; Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Ferran Torres. Real Madrid lined up with Thibaut Courtois; Lucas Vázquez, Antonio Rüdiger, Raúl Asencio, Fran García; Federico Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni; Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior; and Kylian Mbappé, initially on the bench.
- Barcelona absences: Robert Lewandowski (thigh), Alejandro Balde, Marc Casado, Marc Bernal (injured).
- Real Madrid absences: Kylian Mbappé (bench, ankle), David Alaba, Eduardo Camavinga (injured), Ferland Mendy (substituted at 8 minutes).
- Tactical impact: Barcelona relies on Yamal and Pedri’s dynamism, while Real banks on Tchouaméni’s solidity and Bellingham’s vision.
Minute-by-minute: key moments defining the game
Barcelona controlled the first 29 minutes, culminating in Pedri’s wondergoal. Below are the standout moments so far:
- 1’: Ferran Torres bursts into the box from the left and attempts a cross to Raphinha, but Tchouaméni clears for a corner.
- 8’: Ferland Mendy feels groin pain and is replaced by Fran García.
- 15’: Raphinha delivers a low cross to Ferran Torres, but Valverde intercepts. The ball hits Valverde’s hand, but the referee deems it a natural position and denies a penalty.
- 18’: Lamine Yamal cuts inside from the right and fires a low shot that skims Courtois’ post.
- 28’: Pedri receives a pass from Lamine Yamal and strikes a beautiful shot from outside the box, scoring Barcelona’s first goal.
The road to the final: resilience and balance
Barcelona reached the final with a strong Copa del Rey campaign. In the semifinals, they faced Atlético de Madrid in two gripping matches. The first leg ended in a 4-4 draw at Camp Nou, full of twists. The return leg at the Metropolitano saw a 1-0 win, with Ferran Torres scoring, securing their spot. Hansi Flick’s team showed resilience amid a season marred by injuries. The qualification marked Barcelona’s return to a Copa del Rey final after four years, since their 2021 title against Athletic Bilbao.
Real Madrid’s journey was equally demanding. In the semifinals, they took on Real Sociedad in two tight games. A 1-0 win in the first leg was followed by a thrilling 4-4 draw in San Sebastián, with standout performances from Thibaut Courtois and goals from Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo. The final berth boosted the team’s confidence as they chase their 21st title, though their Champions League exit to Arsenal and criticism of Carlo Ancelotti have heightened pressure.
The teams have met twice this season, with Barcelona dominating. In the Spanish Super Cup in January, the Catalans won 5-2, led by Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo. In October, in La Liga, Barcelona thrashed Real Madrid 4-0 at the Santiago Bernabéu, cementing Hansi Flick as the favorite. Ancelotti, however, noted that finals are unique, and Real Madrid often rises to the occasion.
⚠️ 𝙎𝘾𝙊𝙍𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝘾𝙃𝘼𝙉𝘾𝙀! Lamine Yamal rolls one juuuuuuust wide! 😳#ElClásico #CopaBarça pic.twitter.com/SgCg6l2fCy
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 26, 2025
The historic El Clásico rivalry
Barcelona and Real Madrid have clashed 18 times in Copa del Rey finals, with Real Madrid holding an 11-7 edge. Their last final meeting was in 2014, when Real won 2-1, with goals from Ángel Di María and Gareth Bale. Barcelona, however, is the competition’s most successful club, with 31 titles, followed by Athletic Bilbao (24) and Real Madrid (20).
El Clásico carries a rivalry that transcends sport, rooted in history and culture. For Barcelona, a win would be a step toward the “Treble” (La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Champions League), achieved in 2009 and 2015. For Real Madrid, the game offers a chance to salvage a season of highs and lows, including an early Champions League exit.
- Copa del Rey final record: Real Madrid 11 x 7 Barcelona.
- Last final between them: 2014, Real Madrid won 2-1.
- Top winners: Barcelona (31 titles), Athletic Bilbao (24), Real Madrid (20).
What to expect in the coming minutes
With 29 minutes played, Barcelona holds the lead and controls the game. Pedri’s goal, assisted by Lamine Yamal, boosts the Catalans’ confidence as they keep pressing. Real Madrid must respond quickly, with Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham as their main hopes for an equalizer. Fran García’s substitution for Mendy puts the full-back under pressure against an inspired Yamal.
For Barcelona, Ferran Torres faces the challenge of leading the attack without Lewandowski, while Dani Olmo’s movement could prove decisive. For Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappé’s potential second-half entry is a trump card for Ancelotti. The Frenchman, despite not being fully fit, has 32 goals this season and could shift the game’s momentum. The refereeing, led by Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, remains a focal point after Ancelotti’s yellow card and the controversial Valverde handball call.
The evenly split crowd keeps the atmosphere electric. The Copa del Rey final is more than a trophy—it’s a pivotal chapter in football’s most iconic rivalry, with stakes far beyond the scoreline.
The final’s impact on Spanish football
The Copa del Rey final carries significant weight for Spanish football. A Barcelona win would cement their resurgence under Hansi Flick, who transformed a club in financial turmoil into a powerhouse. Their La Liga lead, with 66 points, and Champions League semifinal berth highlight their form.
Real Madrid, second in La Liga with 63 points, needs the title to restore faith among fans and the board. The season has seen criticism of Ancelotti, and a loss to their arch-rivals could fuel talk of his exit. A win would mark Real’s third trophy this season, after the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
The outcome could also shape their next La Liga clash on May 11 at Montjuïc Stadium. With just three points separating them, the psychological edge will be crucial in that potentially title-deciding match.
Curiosities of the Copa del Rey final
The 2025 final is rich with stories that enhance the matchup:
- La Cartuja Stadium: Hosted the 2024 final, where Athletic Bilbao beat Mallorca on penalties.
- Global reach: The game is broadcast to over 135 countries, cementing the Copa del Rey’s massive audience.
- Young star: Lamine Yamal, at 17, is the youngest player on the pitch, with 10 goals and 3 assists this season.
- Historic rivalry: This is the 260th official meeting between Barcelona and Real Madrid, with 105 Real wins, 102 Barcelona wins, and 52 draws.
- Refereeing tension: Real Madrid’s criticism of Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea reignited debates about refereeing in Spain.
The game’s dynamics so far
Barcelona continues to dictate possession and create the best chances, while Real Madrid struggles to regroup after Pedri’s goal. The Yamal-Pedri connection has been the game’s highlight, with the youngsters showing poise on such a grand stage. Real’s defense, led by Antonio Rüdiger and Raúl Asencio, is under pressure to contain Barcelona’s wing play.
The refereeing remains a sensitive issue. Ancelotti’s yellow card and the no-penalty call on Valverde’s handball sparked complaints from both sides, and further errors could reignite controversy. With the score at 1-0, the game promises more drama, and Real Madrid will need creativity to overturn the deficit.
REAL MADRID CLUB DE FÚTBOL pic.twitter.com/SzQr1ZfMFw
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) April 26, 2025
