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Hansi Flick’s Barcelona are within touching distance of a possible quadruple this season, but their bitter rivals Real Madrid stand in the way once again.
While the Catalan club, also semi-finalists in the Champions League, are widely regarded as the strongest team in Spain at present, Carlo Ancelotti’s inconsistent Madrid still have the chance to capture both remaining domestic trophies.
Madrid currently trail La Liga leaders Barcelona by four points, with another high-stakes Clasico looming in May. But before that, the two sides face off in the Copa del Rey final this Saturday in Seville.
Barca have comfortably outclassed Madrid in their two meetings this season. The first came in La Liga last October when Flick’s side thrashed their rivals 4-0 at the Santiago Bernabéu. The second encounter saw them lift the Spanish Super Cup in January, beating Madrid 5-2 in Saudi Arabia — Flick’s first trophy as Barcelona manager.
Despite his side’s recent dominance, Flick was full of praise for his opposite number.
“Real Madrid have an incredible team and one of the best coaches in the world,” said Flick. “Carlo Ancelotti has won everything. He’s a gentleman, and I have the highest respect for him. On Saturday, we face Real Madrid — and, of course, Carlo.”
Madrid will need to find a way to contain Pedri’s influence in midfield, along with the pace and flair of wingers Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.
Ancelotti’s men have already lost 12 matches this season — a stark contrast to their previous campaign, when they suffered only two defeats across all competitions.
Barcelona reached the final at La Cartuja after comfortably seeing off Real Betis and edging past Atletico Madrid. It will be their first Copa del Rey final since 2021, when they defeated Athletic Bilbao.
Madrid, winners in 2023, required extra time to overcome Real Sociedad 5-4 on aggregate in their semi-final clash. Having been knocked out of the Champions League by Arsenal earlier this month, they are desperate to salvage their season with silverware and regain some pride.
Both sides are dealing with key absentees. Barcelona are without top scorer Robert Lewandowski and left-back Alejandro Balde. Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga was ruled out for the season on Thursday with a groin injury, while Kylian Mbappe sat out their narrow 1-0 win over Getafe midweek due to an ankle issue. Ancelotti confirmed the French star is expected to return for the final.
Mbappe was jeered by Madrid supporters during the win over Athletic Bilbao last weekend when his image appeared on stadium screens, but he will be eager to claim his first major domestic trophy with the club following successes in the European Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup.
Madrid’s attacking quartet of Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo offers firepower, though it sometimes leaves the defence exposed.
“Maybe they’re favourites, but a final is a final — anything can happen,” said Ancelotti. “We need to defend well. I believe we’ll do that, and we’ll have chances to score.”
Barcelona will likely deploy Gerard Martin at left-back in Balde’s absence — a possible weak spot for Madrid to target, potentially through Rodrygo. The Brazilian, however, hasn’t scored in 11 matches.
“Statistically, he’s due a goal — it has to happen eventually,” Ancelotti joked. “In matches like these, he always scores. I have complete faith in him.”
Rodrygo netted twice in Madrid’s Copa del Rey final victory over Osasuna two years ago — their 20th in the competition. Barcelona remain the all-time record holders with 31 titles, ahead of Athletic Bilbao on 24 and Madrid in third.
