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

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

Match Preview

The 2025 Copa del Rey final brings another electrifying edition of El Clásico as Barcelona and Real Madrid clash at Estadio La Cartuja in Sevilla on Saturday night. Both sides enter this showpiece with silverware and pride on the line, and the season’s narrative has set the stage for a classic encounter. Barcelona, currently leading La Liga, have enjoyed a strong run of form and come into this final on the back of a narrow but dominant 1-0 win over Mallorca, which extended their lead at the top of the table. Real Madrid, meanwhile, kept up the chase with a 1-0 victory over Getafe, but trail their rivals by four points with five league games left.

Recent results highlight Barcelona’s resilience and attacking intent. They pulled off a dramatic 4-3 comeback win over Celta Vigo, showcasing their ability to fight back under pressure, but that victory came at a cost: top scorer Robert Lewandowski suffered a hamstring injury and is ruled out for the final. The Blaugrana’s attacking output remains formidable, but the absence of their talismanic striker could blunt their edge in front of goal. Hansi Flick’s side has also had to cope without key players like Marc-André ter Stegen and Alejandro Balde, both sidelined with knee and hamstring injuries respectively, though Ter Stegen is nearing a return. Despite these setbacks, Barcelona have shown depth, with players like Raphinha and Lamine Yamal stepping up in recent weeks.

Real Madrid have their own injury woes. The latest blow is the loss of Eduardo Camavinga for the remainder of the season due to a groin injury sustained against Getafe. There are also doubts over Kylian Mbappé, Ferland Mendy, and David Alaba, though manager Carlo Ancelotti is optimistic about Mbappé’s availability for the final. Madrid’s attack remains potent, with Rodrygo, Vinícius Júnior, and Jude Bellingham all capable of producing match-winning moments. The midfield will miss Camavinga’s dynamism, but the experience of Luka Modric and the versatility of Fede Valverde offer tactical flexibility.

This season’s Clásicos have largely favored Barcelona, who triumphed 4-0 in La Liga and 5-2 in the Supercopa final, though both results were influenced by unique circumstances and should not be taken as definitive predictors. The tactical battle between Flick and Ancelotti will be fascinating: Barcelona’s high-pressing, possession-based style against Madrid’s counter-attacking prowess and individual brilliance. With both teams missing key players, squad depth and adaptability will be crucial.

Expect a high-intensity contest with goals likely at both ends—recent meetings and both teams’ attacking records suggest a wide-open affair. Barcelona’s extra day of rest and recent psychological edge could prove decisive, but Madrid’s experience in finals and their ability to rise to the occasion cannot be underestimated. The match may well hinge on who adapts better to their injury absences and who can seize the big moments in front of goal.

Key Players

Barcelona:

• Raphinha: The Brazilian winger has been in sensational form, scoring 27 goals in all competitions and stepping up in Lewandowski’s absence.
• Lamine Yamal: The teenage sensation leads La Liga in assists and brings flair and unpredictability to the right flank.
• Pedri: The midfield orchestrator, crucial for controlling tempo and linking play.
• Wojciech Szczesny: The veteran goalkeeper has found form at the right time, delivering key saves in recent matches.

Real Madrid:

• Jude Bellingham: The English midfielder has been Madrid’s most consistent performer, dictating play and chipping in with vital goals.
• Kylian Mbappé: If fit, his pace and finishing make him Madrid’s most dangerous attacking threat.
• Rodrygo: Versatile and in good scoring form, he often delivers in big matches.
• Fede Valverde: His energy and adaptability will be key, especially with Camavinga out.

Prediction

Given Barcelona’s recent dominance in this fixture, their league form, and an extra day’s rest, they enter as slight favorites. However, the absence of Lewandowski levels the playing field, and Madrid’s experience in finals is a significant factor. Expect a high-scoring, tense affair with both teams likely to find the net. A draw in regular time or a narrow Barcelona win after extra time seems most probable, especially if Mbappé is not fully fit.

Betting Markets and Odds

Odds are subject to change. Always check before placing your bet.