Bellingham’s goal ruled out, Barcelona leads Real Madrid 1-0 in Copa del Rey final

The 2025 Copa del Rey final at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville remains thrilling at the 37th minute of the first half, with Barcelona leading Real Madrid 1-0, thanks to Pedri’s stunning goal. A pivotal moment came at the 34th minute when Jude Bellingham scored for Real Madrid, only for the goal to be disallowed for offside, frustrating the Merengues and preserving Barcelona’s advantage. The match, the first final between the rivals since 2014, is marked by intensity, with Barcelona dominating attacking play and Real Madrid struggling to respond. The electric atmosphere, with 26,031 fans from each side filling 40% of the stadium’s capacity, reflects the historic El Clásico rivalry. Off-field controversies, key player injuries, and yellow cards for Carlo Ancelotti and Aurélien Tchouaméni add drama to the game, broadcast to over 135 countries.

Barcelona imposed their style from the start, with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha exploiting the wings and Pedri orchestrating in midfield. Pedri’s goal at the 28th minute, set up by a brilliant move from Yamal, saw the midfielder fire an unstoppable shot into Courtois’ top corner. Earlier, Yamal had threatened at the 18th minute with a low shot that skimmed Courtois’ post, and Raphinha tested the keeper with a cross-shot at the 30th minute. Real Madrid, whose first clear chance came at the 22nd minute via Fran García, gained momentum with Bellingham’s move, but the offside call halted their comeback. The absence of Kylian Mbappé from the starting lineup, due to an ankle injury, limits Real’s attack, which relies on Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo.

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Tension also surrounds the refereeing. At the 25th minute, Carlo Ancelotti received a yellow card for protesting, followed by Tchouaméni, booked at the 30th minute for a harsh foul on Dani Olmo. The match, which began at 5:00 p.m. (Brasília time), sees Barcelona holding the edge despite Robert Lewandowski’s absence, with Ferran Torres leading the attack. The evenly split crowd creates a vibrant spectacle, with tickets sold out at prices between 72 and 270 euros.

Off-field controversies fuel rivalry

The eve of the final was overshadowed by a refereeing controversy. Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, the match referee, gave an emotional press conference on Friday, addressing Real Madrid’s criticism of his past performances. The Merengue club, through its official TV channel, questioned the referee’s impartiality, citing alleged errors in games against Barcelona. The tension prompted Real Madrid to issue a statement denying rumors of a 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 protest against refereeing, drew criticism in the Spanish media. Meanwhile, Barcelona, led by 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.

Injuries shape team strategies

Injuries have been a defining factor in the final. For Barcelona, the absence of Robert Lewandowski, injured in the thigh during a 4-3 win over Celta Vigo, poses a significant 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 challenges. 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 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 leans on Yamal’s speed and Pedri’s vision, while Real relies on Tchouaméni’s solidity and Bellingham’s creativity.

Minute-by-minute: key moments of the final

Barcelona dominated much of the first 37 minutes, but Real Madrid showed signs of a comeback. Below are the standout moments:

• 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 denies a penalty, deeming the arm in a natural position.
• 18’: Lamine Yamal cuts inside from the right and fires a low shot that grazes Courtois’ post.
• 28’: Pedri receives a pass from Lamine Yamal and strikes a brilliant first-time shot into the top corner, making it 1-0 for Barcelona.
• 34’: Jude Bellingham scores after a pass from Ceballos, but the goal is disallowed for offside.

The road to the final: a challenging journey

Barcelona reached the final with a solid 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 path 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 have their own dynamic, and Real Madrid often rises to the occasion.

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 football, 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).

Expectations for the rest of the first half

With 37 minutes played, Barcelona holds a 1-0 lead and controls the game. Pedri’s goal, assisted by Lamine Yamal, boosts the Catalans’ confidence as they keep pressing. Real Madrid, despite Bellingham’s disallowed goal, shows signs of a comeback, with Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo probing for openings. 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 under scrutiny after the yellow cards and Valverde’s controversial 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 Bellingham’s disallowed goal. The Yamal-Pedri connection has been the 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. The yellow cards for Ancelotti and Tchouaméni, plus the no-penalty call on Valverde’s handball, sparked complaints. Bellingham’s offside goal reignited tensions, and further errors could escalate the controversy. With the score at 1-0, the game promises more drama, and Real Madrid will need creativity to overturn the deficit.

💥 GOAL BARÇA! PEDRI! 1-0! #ELCLÁSICO pic.twitter.com/1jYZvxZxLJ

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 26, 2025

⚠️ 𝙎𝘾𝙊𝙍𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝘾𝙃𝘼𝙉𝘾𝙀! Lamine Yamal rolls one juuuuuuust wide! 😳#ElClásico #CopaBarça pic.twitter.com/SgCg6l2fCy

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 26, 2025

REAL MADRID CLUB DE FÚTBOL pic.twitter.com/SzQr1ZfMFw

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