Thank you for joining us in the Live coverage of the El Clasico Copa del Rey final. A sensational game, filled with drama, intensity and high quality between Spanish football's two greatest teams. They're not done yet. One more huge El Clasico still to go in La Liga. Join us then once more.

That's a wrap! Goodnight.

THE COPA IS OURS! pic.twitter.com/WLcjstoG6y

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 26, 2025

Hansi Flick claims his third win of the season over Carlo Ancelotti. This was the closest Real Madrid came, and they could've won it too. But with two trophies gone from Madrid's grasp, is Ancelotti's time coming to an end?

Barcelona can dream. And why mustn't they? They've done the treble twice before, they're one-third of the way there. A UCL semi against Inter awaits. Real Madrid will come back hungrier, more desperate to deny their arch-rivals in the league. But for Hansi Flick's Barca, the dream is not far away from reality.

To cap off a sensational final:

28' Pedri scores a long-range screamer, Barca lead 1-0

70' Kylian Mbappe slams his first career direct free-kick, 1-1

77' Aurelian Tchouameni heads home, Real lead 2-1

84' Ferran Torres pounces, 2-2

96' Barcelona awarded penalty, and then overturned after VAR

116' Jules Kounde scores from outside the box, Barca clinch 3-2

120+3' Rudiger and Vazquez sent off from the bench

We had to wait 11 years for an El Clasico in the Copa del Rey final, and boy was it worth the wait. An intense, end-to-end game of football. Drama, storylines, penalties awarded and not given, red cards, and some absolute golazos!

A record-extending 32nd Copa del Rey title in the end for the Blaugrana.

It's all over! FC Barcelona have defeated Real Madrid! Barcelona are the Copa del Rey 2024/25 champions. What a game, what a scintillating exhibition of football, what a dramatic episode of El Clasico.

Full Time: FCB 3-2 RMA

120+2' Ugly scenes in the final minute of the game. Mbappe fouls in what was surely Madrid's final attack of the game. Outrage from the Real Madrid dugout, a bottle seemingly thrown at the referee, and an angry Rudiger is shown a red card by the referee. 

FCB 3-2 RMA

118' It is all happening out there! Kylian Mbappe with a big chance, he misses but seems to have been brought down in the box. But it is no penalty, because OFFSIDE is the verdict. Can Real Madrid rescue this game one more time?

FCB 3-2 RMA

117' JULES KOUNDE! Barcelona in front in the Copa del Rey final once again, and what a time to score! Luka Modric's pass is intercepted by right-back Kounde, and he slams it in from outside the box, bottom-left corner! WOW!

FCB 3-2 RMA

115' Kylian Mbappe will get credit, and rightly so, in helping Real Madrid turn this match around. But Arda Guler must also be given his flowers. He has helped Real Madrid control the game more, put in some excellent crosses in, including for Tchouameni's header.

FCB 2-2 RMA

110' Centre-back Antonio Rudiger is substituted, but young striker Endrick is on! Rudiger is also a proven penalty-taker, so this is a big call by Ancelotti. Tchouameni will slot into central defence, attacking change.

FCB 2-2 RMA

109' Inviting ball in by Arda Guler from the right flank, Bellingham had been left unmarked. Slightly too much power on the cross and it is collected by Szczesny, but a risky manouevre by Barca to leave Bellingham open.

FCB 2-2 RMA

107' Ferran Torres scores after a cross in by Fermin, but it is ruled out for offside. No debate about that decision, clearly offside. Moments later, Bellingham is shown a yellow card for a hard challenge.

FCB 2-2 RMA

105' Half-time in extra-time! Penalty shootout surely in the minds now of both coaches. A stalemate 15 minutes here, chances both ways but none clear-cut to truly make a difference. Will we get a moment of genius in the next 15?

FCB 2-2 RMA

100' The tempo has slowed down slightly in extra time, as we hit the 100th minute of the match. However, both teams continue to get half-chances. Seems like it will come down to one moment and who makes the most of it.

FCB 2-2 RMA

Extra Time has begun in the Copa del Rey final. What a scintillating, end-to-end, dramatic game of football we've had between two of football's most storied teams. Barca led through Pedri, Mbappe took the game by the scruff of its neck and slammed in a free-kick. Tchouameni gave Madrid the lead but Ferran equalised. And if all of that wasn't enough, Barca saw a 96th-minute penalty awarded but then overturned by VAR.

90+10' More drama! VAR overturns the penalty kick. Long check, De Burgos Bengoetxea at the centre of so much drama before the game, and he has made his decision. Raphinha booked for diving. Raul Asencio survives. This game is going to extra time!

FCB 2-2 RMA

90+6' LAST MINUTE PENALTY! Raphinha cutting in from the left wing, and he is fouled by Raul Asencio. VAR is having a look, but this appears to be clear-cut. What a twist this is going to be, what an end this could be.

FCB 2-2 RMA

90+1' Six minutes added on at the end of the second-half. Both sides have swung hard at each other, and we're now at level-pegging, at 2-2. What a game of football this has been, what storylines! And we're not done yet.

FCB 2-2 RMA

84' DRAMA! So much drama! Ferran Torres has slipped in the equalizer, completely against the run of play. And now it seems we're heading to extra time. Incredible long pass by Lamine Yamal, confusion at the back between Courtois and Rudiger and Ferran pounces and slots into an empty net.

FCB 2-2 RMA

77' GOAL! Oh my word! Real Madrid have completed the turnaround! Absolutely stunning scenes in the Copa del Rey final. Aurelian Tchouameni heads Madrid in front, great corner in by Arda Guler. In the space of 7 minutes, Madrid have gone from 0-1 to 2-1!

FCB 1-2 RMA

70' GOAL MBAPPE! Kylian Mbappe has scored a direct free-kick for the first time in his career! Slams it through the wall, angling it away from Szczesny towards the bottom left corner. The shot kisses the post and goes in! Real Madrid equalize!

FCB 1-1 RMA

68' Mbappe dances away and was almost through on goal, but he is brought down by Frenkie de Jong! The Barca midfielder is shown a yellow card, but Madrid players are swarming the referee, they think it should be red. Dangerous free-kick chance though.

FCB 1-0 RMA

65' Hansi Flick makes a big change as Dani Olmo is replaced by Fermin Lopez. We know how instinctive Fermin Lopez's goalscoring is. However, right now, it is Real Madrid on the charge going forward, winning the 50-50 battles.

FCB 1-0 RMA

61' Raphinha misses another big chance! Unmarked, had time and space to unleash a good shot, but fires it just wide of Thibaut Courtois' goal. That's the second counter-attack in a matter of minutes that Raphinha has been unable to convert.

FCB 1-0 RMA

57' End-to-end stuff here in the final! Barcelona launch a counter-attack, a 3v3 situation in the final third but Raphinha is unable to capitalize. Moments later, Vinicius gets a chance at the other end but Barcelona survive.

FCB 1-0 RMA

54' Mbappe twisting and turning in the box, trying to get a shot away from a tight angle, but a good save made once again by Szczesny. Ancelotti makes a double change now as Madrid aim to go for the goal.

OFF: Lucas Vazquez, Ceballos

ON: Modric, Arda Guler

54' Mbappe twisting and turning in the box, trying to get a shot away from a tight angle, but a good save made once again by Szczesny. Ancelotti makes a double change now as Madrid aim to go for the goal.

OFF: Lucas Vazquez, Ceballos

ON: Modric, Arda Guler

49' Wojciech Szczesny with a double save! Vinicius put through on goal, tough angle and Szczesny saves. Rebound comes back to Madrid, but the Polish keeper makes his presence felt yet again! Positive from Madrid, though.

FCB 1-0 RMA

46' Welcome back to the second half coverage of the Copa del Rey final. Kylian Mbappe is on for Real Madrid after half-time, replacing Rodrygo. The Frenchman has had a topsy-turvy season, but he'll need to prove today why Madrid wanted him so badly.

FCB 1-0 RMA

Real Madrid have looked toothless in attack so far, lacking a focal point and failing to make many inroads against a tight Barca defence. NINE shots for Barcelona, just one for Madrid. Kylian Mbappe may be nursing his ankle, but it seems a matter of time before he comes in.

HT: Barcelona lead at half-time against Real Madrid, and it is no less than they deserve. No question that they've been the better side so far, and have had less sloppy moments. Pedri scoring an absolute screamer in the 28th minute. 

FCB 1-0 RMA

45+2' Vinicius Jr runs into space and has a goal-scoring chance, but he fluffs his shot with a heavy touch. Possible foul from behind too. But it won't matter, the linesman flags for offside. Real Madrid will take heart from these late inroads.

FCB 1-0 RMA

43' Raphinha with a chance from a free-kick from decent range, but he fails to get it over the wall. Deflection, and out for a Barcelona corner. Chance for a shot from the corner, but Madrid block that too. Crucial for Los Blancos to not go two goals down before half-time.

FCB 1-0 RMA

35' Jude Bellingham scores, but it is OFFSIDE! Neat move strung together by Madrid, Bellingham found some space between the defence and slotted it in. However, he is clearly offside. Still, first sign of positivity from Madrid.

FCB 1-0 RMA

28' WHAT A STRIKE! Pedri puts Barcelona in front in the Copa del Rey El Clasico final. He starts the move with a superb long ball to Yamal, the teenager cuts in and lays it back for Pedri who slams home a long-range effort from outside the box! Superb hit. Barca take a deserved lead.

FCB 1-0 RMA

27' And now defensive contribution by Lamine Yamal! Real Madrid thought they were off on a counter led by Vinicius, but Yamal tracks back and dispossesses the Brazilian. So far, it is all FC Barcelona in the final.

FCB 0-0 RMA

19' Oh, Lamine Yamal! The teenager cuts in from the right flank and has a go with his left foot from the edge of the box. It's a good shot, but it angles inches away from the bottom-left corner. Two minutes later, Courtois tips over a header by Kounde!

FCB 0-0 RMA

15' Fran Garcia has been thrown into the deep end early on, and has had a few testing moments up against Lamine Yamal. He has lost the ball a couple of times, and barely scrambled back to deny Yamal a cutback. Madrid hanging on.

FCB 0-0 RMA

9' Oh dear, Ferland Mendy is down and seems to be injured. Went for a challenge against Jules Kounde, but has hurt himself in the process. Fran Garcia is warming up and is set to come on for Mendy. Early change needed for Madrid.

FCB 0-0 RMA

Ferran Torres drives through the left side of the box, looks for a cutback that is cleared away by the Real Madrid defence. Corner for Barcelona, but nothing comes of it. First chances go the way of the La Liga leaders.

FCB 0-0 RMA

And here we go! Barcelona get us underway in the Copa del Rey final. They are attacking from right to left, and are already taking control of the ball through their defence. Madrid win it back, but lose it immediately, but Raphinha wastes a counter opportunity.

The Barcelona and Real Madrid players are out on the pitch! Lamine Yamal has got himself a new haircut, a blonde fringe! Can the 17-year-old superstar deliver yet again on the pitch? Real Madrid will have their work cut out.

We are less than 10 minutes away from the start of the Copa del Rey final between Barcelona and Real Madrid. The last time these two giants met in this cup final was in the 2013/14 season, when Gareth Bale's stunning solo goal gave Madrid victory. 

Who will be the hero this time?

Athletic Club de Bilbao are the reigning champions of the Copa del Rey, having beaten Mallorca in last year's final. Athletic, who only have Basque-origin players in their squad, completed a fairytale championship last year.

And here's how Barcelona line up. With no Lewandowksi, Ferran Torres will start as the striker, with Dani Olmo playing behind him as the No. 10. No Alex Balde at left-back either, meaning Gerard Martin gets a start.

BARA XI #ElClsico #CopaBara pic.twitter.com/k7XgDyhI1F

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 26, 2025

In case you're joining us just now, here is how Real Madrid lineup tonight. No Kylian Mbappe means that Vinicius and Rodrygo start up front. A four-man midfield to tackle against Barcelona's midfield maestros.

Nuestro XI inicial para la final de la Copa del Rey!
@FCBarcelona_es
@UnicajaBanco pic.twitter.com/kR7qqCJGIO

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) April 26, 2025

Some of the world's best players will be on show today, with the likes of Vinicius Jr, Raphinha, Lamine Yamal and Jude Bellingham in the starting XIs. Remember, Robert Lewandowski is unfit for this match, while Kylian Mbappe will only feature off the bench.

Real Madrid have been embroiled in an ugly saga with the Spanish football association and referees before this match. Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, the man set to officiate today, broke down at a press conference yesterday. The reason? His child had been bullied due to his refereeing decisions.

The referee implied that videos of referees' errors made by Real Madrid had instigated this saga.

Carlo Ancelotti has delivered two UEFA Champions League titles in four seasons back at Real Madrid. In all, he has won three UCL titles with the club. But this season hasn't gone to plan, and Madrid could end up without any significant trophy. With a style of football that hasn't pleased fans, his future is up in the air.

However, a win tonight could change everything.

Hansi Flick's Barcelona have faced Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid twice this season. Both times, the result has been devastating. In their first La Liga meeting, Real were humbled 4-0 at home, while in their second meeting in the Supercopa, they were handed a 5-2 thrashing.

Will Flick complete his hattrick today?

We are less than one hour away from the start of the Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and Barcelona. The two giants of Spanish football face off after 11 years in a Copa del Rey final. Both sides are aiming for their second title of the season.

Barcelona's weak link tonight is undoubtedly left-back Gerard Martin, who is taking the spot of the injured Alejandro Balde. Madrid, don't have a direct right-winger to target him, but with the likes of Rodrygo, Valverde and Lucas present, Gerard Martin will have his hands full tonight.

Real Madrid trusted David Alaba for their Champions League games against Arsenal, but they've gone back to the tried and tested Ferland Mendy at left-back to face teenage sensation Lamine Yamal tonight. Whoever wins that battle will have a key impact on the match.

Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres are both starting the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid. This means that Torres should be in an advanced position, while Olmo occupies a role as No. 10 or deeper.

BARA XI #ElClsico #CopaBara pic.twitter.com/k7XgDyhI1F

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 26, 2025

Real Madrid's performances haven't been impressive either. They've won each of their last six La Liga matches by just one goal, as well as being outclassed in both legs against Arsenal in the Champions League.

However, with no Mbappe, expect Vinicius to have a lot of prominence on the ball and in Madrid's attacks.

Barcelona have experienced slightly shaky form in their last few matches. They lost to Borussia Dortmund in the second leg of their UCL tie. Then, they had to mount a Herculean comeback to beat Celta Vigo 4-3. And in their previous match, they beat Mallorca by just one goal.

Could this be Madrid's best opportunity to beat Barcelona this season?

Remember, Barcelona will be without Robert Lewandowski today. The Polish striker picked up an injury on his left thigh muscle, ruling him out of this game. But who takes his spot? It is expected to be a toss-up between Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres.

Real Madrid's starting XI resembles their previous season, when Vinicius and Rodrygo would start as inside forwards with Jude Bellingham in an advanced No. 10 role. Fede Valverde will provide the legs in midfield, while Dani Ceballos will be crucial for Madrid to gain some control.

Here is Real Madrid's starting lineup for the Copa del Rey final vs Barcelona:

Nuestro XI inicial para la final de la Copa del Rey!
@FCBarcelona_es
@UnicajaBanco pic.twitter.com/kR7qqCJGIO

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) April 26, 2025

Real Madrid have announced their starting XI for the El Clasico Copa del Rey Final. Mbappe is on the bench, after not being fit enough to start the game following an ankle issue. Lucas Vazquez will captain the side, he starts at right-back.

As per reports, certain fans have clashed with police en route to the Estadio la Cartuja in Seville, where the final is being held. Three Barcelona fans and two Real Madrid fans have reportedly been arrested, as a result.

Real Madrid have specifically posted about Kylian Mbappe ahead of the match, despite injury concerns surrounding the striker. Could this be a hint that he's set to make the starting XI? We should learn soon.

@KMbappe pic.twitter.com/fb8MUb9AsW

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) April 26, 2025

With Kylian Mbappe set to not be fit for the starting XI, it will be interesting to see who Real Madrid pick in his place. Will Ancelotti still go with three forwards, or go with four midfielders instead? The Madrid lineup is expected to be announced shortly.

Real Madrid are meeting Barcelona in a Copa del Rey final after 11 years! The last time was in the 2013/14 season, when Real Madrid won 2-1 despite Cristiano Ronaldo not playing in the final. Remember Gareth Bale leaving Marc Bartra in the dust to score? Yes, that match.

When it comes to El Clasico matches in 2024/25, it hasn't gone Real Madrid's way. Barcelona thrashed Real Madrid 4-0 in their first La Liga fixture this year, and then handed them another heavy beating in the Supercopa final, winning 5-2.

Kylian Mbappe, as per reports, is yet to recover completely from an ankle injury. He is expected to be part of the squad, but will likely not make it to the starting XI. In his absence, expect Carlo Ancelotti to start with Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo as the only two forwards.

Barcelona have already beaten Real Madrid to claim one trophy this season, and now they have the chance to complete historic THIRD treble. Leading the title race in La Liga and in the semis of the Champions League, they've been arguably the best team in Europe in 2024/25. But their arch-rivals can spoil the party tonight.

While there were reports of Real Madrid boycotting the final altogether following the meltdown, they are all set to play. De Burgos Bengoetxea is also set to stay as the referee, despite the entire saga. This should be a really interesting final tonight.

Real Madrid have been embroiled in an ugly saga with the Spanish football association and referees before this match. Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, the man set to officiate today, broke down at a press conference yesterday. The reason? His child had been bullied due to his refereeing decisions.
The referee implied that videos of referees' errors made by Real Madrid had instigated this saga.

The two Spanish giants have been neck-and-neck in La Liga pretty much all year. Barcelona defeated Madrid in the Supercopa final earlier this year. This is Los Blancos' chance at revenge, and boy would they love to end Barcelona's treble hopes.

Hello and welcome to the live coverage of the Copa del Rey Final 2024/25, and for the first time in a very long time, we have the two biggest clubs in Spanish football facing each other in this game. It is Barcelona against Real Madrid!