Barcelona vs. Real Madrid Tips and Odds – 26/04/2025

• Fixture: Barcelona vs Real Madrid, Copa del Rey Final 2024/25
• Date: Saturday, 26 April 2025
• Venue: Estadio La Cartuja, Sevilla

Match Preview

The 2024/25 Copa del Rey final brings the world’s eyes to Sevilla as Barcelona and Real Madrid renew their iconic rivalry in a high-stakes El Clásico. Barcelona arrive as La Liga leaders, riding a wave of confidence after a gritty 1-0 win over Mallorca, which extended their lead at the top and showcased their ability to grind out results even with a rotated squad. Hansi Flick’s side have shown resilience in recent weeks, including a dramatic 4-3 comeback victory over Celta Vigo and a dominant Champions League run, though injuries have begun to bite at the worst possible time.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, remain in hot pursuit in the league and enter the final after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Getafe, secured by a late Federico Valverde goal. Carlo Ancelotti’s men have responded well to setbacks, including a recent Champions League exit, but their squad has also been stretched by injuries, particularly in defense and midfield.

Both teams face significant selection headaches. Barcelona’s talismanic striker Robert Lewandowski, the league’s top scorer with 25 goals, suffered a hamstring injury last weekend and is not expected to recover in time for the final, leaving a huge void up front. They are also without first-choice goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen and left-back Alejandro Balde, while midfielder Marc Casado and youngster Bernal are long-term absentees. Real Madrid have their own issues: key midfielder Eduardo Camavinga and versatile defender David Alaba are both sidelined with muscular injuries, forcing Ancelotti to reshuffle his lineup, likely relying on Fran García at left-back.

Barcelona’s recent form has been impressive, with three consecutive league wins and a Champions League quarter-final triumph over Borussia Dortmund. Even without Lewandowski, they generated a remarkable 24 shots against Mallorca, though their finishing was less clinical than usual. Raphinha and Lamine Yamal will be expected to shoulder the attacking burden, while Pedri’s creativity in midfield remains crucial. Real Madrid, for their part, have shown grit but sometimes lack cutting edge in attack, with Kylian Mbappé expected to return from a minor injury to lead the line, supported by Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham.

The tactical battle will be fascinating. Flick’s Barcelona have dominated the recent head-to-heads, including a 5-2 Supercopa victory earlier this year and a 4-0 league win last October, but Madrid’s experience and ability to rise to big occasions can never be underestimated. Expect Barcelona to control possession and press high, while Madrid will look to exploit transitions and set pieces, especially with Mbappé’s pace and Valverde’s late runs.

Key Players

• Barcelona:
  • Raphinha: The Brazilian winger has been in sensational form, with 15 league goals and a reputation for delivering in big matches.
  • Lamine Yamal: The teenage sensation leads La Liga in assists and provides creative spark from the right flank.
  • Pedri: The midfield maestro dictates tempo and is key to linking play, especially with Lewandowski absent.
• Real Madrid:
  • Kylian Mbappé: Madrid’s top scorer (22 goals) and a game-changer if fully fit.
  • Vinícius Júnior: Electric on the left, he can stretch Barcelona’s defense and create chances.
  • Jude Bellingham: Adds dynamism and late runs from midfield, with 8 league goals this season.
  • Federico Valverde: Brings energy and clutch goals, as shown in the recent win over Athletic Bilbao.

Prediction

Barcelona’s superior recent form and psychological edge, combined with an extra day’s rest, make them slight favorites, but the absence of Lewandowski and key defensive injuries could level the playing field. Real Madrid’s counter-attacking threat and big-game pedigree ensure this will be a closely contested final, likely with plenty of goals given both sides’ attacking quality and defensive absences. Expect a high-scoring affair, with Barcelona narrowly edging it—perhaps 3-2 after 90 minutes.

Betting Markets & Odds

Odds are subject to change. Enjoy the match—this El Clásico final promises fireworks!