Mbappé to play today? Where to watch Barcelona vs Real Madrid live in the Copa del Rey final today

The iconic rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid unfolds in a thrilling new chapter on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville. The Copa del Rey final, scheduled for 5 PM (Brasília time), pits two of football’s giants against each other in a match steeped in history, talent, and high stakes. With Barcelona dominating LaLiga and Real Madrid seeking to overcome a turbulent season, this clash promises to be a defining moment of the 2024/25 season. Thousands of fans fill the stands, while millions worldwide watch via television and digital platforms, making this an event that transcends sport and grips the global audience.

Barcelona approaches the final with a formidable campaign, led by Hansi Flick, whose aggressive and disciplined approach has revitalized the Catalan side. Their LaLiga lead, boasting 74 points, reflects their consistency, bolstered by strong showings in the Champions League. However, the absence of star striker Robert Lewandowski due to injury poses a challenge, with the attack now relying on young talents like Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres. On the other side, Real Madrid, guided by Carlo Ancelotti, leans on the dynamism of Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappé to secure the trophy and reinforce their dominance as the competition’s reigning champions.

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The choice of La Cartuja as the venue ensures a neutral setting, with supporters of both clubs evenly splitting the stands. The stadium, capable of hosting 60,000 spectators, has a history of hosting memorable finals and is primed for a visual and athletic spectacle. Seville buzzes with excitement, with fully booked hotels, bars hosting watch parties, and heightened security measures ensuring a safe and festive environment for all attendees.

Where to watch and follow the action

The Copa del Rey final will be broadcast live in Brazil on ESPN (cable TV) and Disney+ (streaming), with coverage kicking off at 4:30 PM. Portuguese-language narration, alongside pre- and post-match analysis, will enrich the viewing experience for fans. Sports portals such as ge.globo.com and ESPN.com.br offer real-time updates, complete with detailed statistics, play-by-play commentary, and expert insights.

Social media is abuzz with the hashtag #ElClasicoNaESPN, where fans exchange predictions, playful jabs, and memes. Official club accounts and broadcasters provide continuous updates, keeping supporters engaged with behind-the-scenes content. For those seeking a stadium-like vibe, bars in cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, including Boteco do Raoni and Belmonte, are hosting viewing events with large screens and exclusive promotions.

• Broadcast channels: ESPN (TV) and Disney+ (streaming).
• Time: 5 PM (Brasília time), pre-game coverage at 4:30 PM.
• Online coverage: ge.globo.com, ESPN.com.br, Sofascore.
• Local events: Boteco do Raoni (São Paulo), Belmonte (Rio de Janeiro).

Lineups and tactical breakdown

Hansi Flick is likely to deploy Barcelona with Wojciech Szczesny in goal, shielded by a backline of Jules Koundé, Pau Cubarsí, Iñigo Martínez, and Gerard Martin. The midfield trio of Marc Casadó, Pedri, and Gavi will drive the team’s rhythm, while the attack, absent Lewandowski, relies on Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, and Raphinha. Barcelona’s strategy emphasizes ball possession and high pressing, exploiting the flanks to generate goal-scoring opportunities.

📋✅ ¡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, meanwhile, is expected to field Thibaut Courtois in goal, with Lucas Vázquez, Antonio Rüdiger, Fran García, and Aurelien Tchouaméni, repurposed as a center-back. Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, and Jude Bellingham form the midfield core, while Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr., and Kylian Mbappé spearhead the attack. Ancelotti’s game plan centers on swift counterattacks, with Bellingham serving as the link to the forwards.

With key players missing on both sides, young stars take center stage. At just 17, Yamal is a cornerstone for Barcelona, while Bellingham, at 21, anchors Real Madrid’s midfield with authority. The tactical battle between Flick and Ancelotti, both master strategists, will be critical, as every decision could tip the scales in this high-stakes final.

The storied rivalry of El Clásico

The Barcelona-Real Madrid rivalry, dubbed El Clásico, is one of the most intense in global sports. As of April 2025, the teams have met 258 times in official competitions, with Real Madrid claiming 105 victories, Barcelona securing 101, and 52 matches ending in draws. In the Copa del Rey, the competition is closely contested, though Real Madrid holds an edge in finals, notably with a 4-0 thrashing in the 2023 semifinals. Barcelona, however, has delivered iconic wins, such as the 4-0 rout at the Santiago Bernabéu in 2022.

In their last five encounters, Real Madrid prevailed in four, including a 2-1 LaLiga win in 2024, but Barcelona has shone in pivotal moments, like the 3-1 Spanish Supercup victory in 2023. These results fuel both teams’ confidence while raising the pressure for a flawless performance at La Cartuja.

Current team form

Barcelona is thriving in a season of successful rebuilding, leading LaLiga with 74 points and advancing confidently in the Champions League. The team won four of their last five matches, with a standout 4-1 demolition of Bayern Munich in October 2024. Their defensive resilience and the flair of players like Raphinha and Yamal underpin their success.

• Barcelona 1-0 Mallorca (LaLiga, 04/22/2025)
• Barcelona 4-1 Bayern Munich (Champions League, 10/23/2024)
• Barcelona 5-1 Sevilla (LaLiga, 10/20/2024)
• Barcelona 3-0 Young Boys (Champions League, 10/01/2024)
• Osasuna 4-2 Barcelona (LaLiga, 09/28/2024)

Real Madrid, despite a Champions League setback, has regained momentum with five consecutive victories heading into the final. Their Intercontinental Cup triumph in December 2024 and LaLiga lead in January 2025 highlight their resilience, driven by Vinicius Jr.’s explosiveness and Bellingham’s composure.

• Real Madrid 3-0 Mallorca (Spanish Supercup, 01/09/2025)
• Real Madrid 4-0 Pachuca (Intercontinental Cup, 12/18/2024)
• Real Madrid 5-2 Borussia Dortmund (Champions League, 10/22/2024)
• Celta 1-2 Real Madrid (LaLiga, 10/19/2024)
• Real Madrid 2-1 Villarreal (LaLiga, 10/05/2024)

Refereeing in the spotlight

Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea will officiate, assisted by Diego Barbero Sevilla and Miguel Martínez Munuera, with Juan Martínez Munuera on VAR duties. The seasoned referee has faced scrutiny from both clubs, particularly after a 2024 Real Madrid TV video criticized his decisions. Recent controversies, including Vinicius Jr.’s suspension and Barcelona’s legal efforts to register players, add pressure on the officiating team.

A fiercely contested match is anticipated, with the potential for controversial calls. The VAR will play a crucial role in decisions like penalties and offsides, especially in a game where every moment could alter the outcome. Fans expect fairness, but the history of tensions suggests the referees will be under intense scrutiny.

Match conditions and Seville’s vibe

Seville provides optimal conditions for the final, with forecasts predicting partly cloudy skies, temperatures ranging from 18°C to 22°C, 55% humidity, and light winds. A low chance of rain ensures a pristine pitch at La Cartuja, ideal for the technical, fast-paced style of both teams. The stadium’s state-of-the-art facilities, accommodating 60,000 fans, set the stage for a visual extravaganza, with fan choreographies and chants amplifying the atmosphere.

The city pulses with excitement, with approximately 5,000 Barcelona supporters and 4,000 Real Madrid fans traveling for the match. Hotels are at capacity, bars near the stadium offer promotions, and local businesses report booming sales. The event’s economic impact is significant, generating millions of euros in tourism, hospitality, and retail revenue.

• Weather forecast: 18°C to 22°C, partly cloudy, no rain.
• Stadium capacity: 60,000 spectators.
• Economic impact: Millions of euros in revenue for Seville.
• Security measures: Strengthened to ensure safety.

Tickets and fan engagement

Tickets for the final, priced between 50 and 250 euros, are nearly sold out, reflecting the massive demand for El Clásico. Organized fan groups are planning mosaics and chants, fostering a vibrant atmosphere at La Cartuja. The balanced split of supporters creates a competitive environment, with robust security measures to prevent incidents.

Fan fervor extends beyond the stadium, with events in Spanish and international cities. In Brazil, supporters gather in bars and public spaces to watch the match, while social media buzzes with hashtags and viral content. The diverse nationalities of fans highlight the global allure of the showdown.

Key players to watch

The clash showcases some of football’s brightest stars. For Barcelona, Raphinha is in scintillating form, delivering crucial goals and assists, including a hat-trick against Bayern Munich. At 17, Lamine Yamal impresses with his maturity, while Ferran Torres aims to make his mark in Lewandowski’s absence.

For Real Madrid, Vinicius Jr. is the focal point, his speed and decisiveness positioning him as a Ballon d’Or contender. Kylian Mbappé, still seeking consistency, could be a game-changer, while Jude Bellingham provides quality and leadership in midfield. The duel between these players will be a focal point of the final.

• Raphinha (Barcelona): Primary attacking threat with standout performances.
• Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid): Global star with match-winning potential.
• Lamine Yamal (Barcelona): Teenage prodigy with immediate impact.
• Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid): Aiming to shine in his first Copa del Rey final.

Tactical overview of the matchup

Hansi Flick has transformed Barcelona into an aggressive unit, prioritizing possession and relentless pressing. Without Lewandowski, the team relies on the wings, with Raphinha and Yamal leveraging their speed. A solid defense, anchored by Cubarsí, will be tested by Real Madrid’s attack. Tactical discipline will be vital to counter their opponents’ transitions.

Carlo Ancelotti, in contrast, favors rapid counterattacks, with Vinicius Jr. and Mbappé as lethal weapons. Tchouaméni’s makeshift role in defense could be a vulnerability, but Bellingham and Valverde provide balance. The tactical chess match between the coaches will be as compelling as the on-field action, with strategic adjustments likely to determine the winner.

Fascinating facts about El Clásico

El Clásico is a cultural juggernaut that extends beyond football, enriched by historical milestones. The first official meeting in 1902 saw Barcelona triumph 3-1. The largest margin, an 11-1 Real Madrid rout in 1943, remains legendary, as do Barcelona’s recent victories at La Cartuja, including a 3-0 in 2023.

• First El Clásico: 1902, Barcelona won 3-1.
• Largest scoreline: 11-1 Real Madrid, 1943, Copa del Rey.
• La Cartuja record: Barcelona won the last two matches at the venue.
• Copa del Rey finals: Real Madrid leads with four wins to Barcelona’s three.

Schedule and upcoming fixtures

The Copa del Rey final is one of many challenges in a demanding season for both clubs. Barcelona faces Inter Milan in the Champions League semifinals, with the first leg on April 30, 2025, while Real Madrid, eliminated in the quarterfinals, shifts focus to LaLiga and the Club World Cup in June.

• Barcelona vs Inter Milan (Champions League, 04/30/2025)
• Barcelona vs Atlético Madrid (LaLiga, 05/04/2025)
• Real Madrid vs Valencia (LaLiga, 05/03/2025)
• Real Madrid vs Almería (LaLiga, 05/11/2025)

Economic and cultural significance

El Clásico generates millions of euros in revenue, from ticket sales to broadcast rights and sponsorships. In Seville, the match fuels a tourism boom, with hotels and restaurants fully booked. Local businesses enjoy a surge in sales, and bars host themed events. The economic windfall is supported by stringent security to ensure safety.

Culturally, the matchup reflects historical tensions between Catalonia and Madrid, though the 2025 focus is firmly on football. Players like Vinicius Jr. and Raphinha, both Brazilian, amplify the game’s global appeal, reaching audiences in over 200 countries. Social media engagement is unprecedented, with memes and fan banter dominating platforms.

Predictions for the final

Analysts foresee a tightly contested match, with Barcelona holding a slight edge due to their consistency. However, Lewandowski’s absence could level the playing field, particularly if Real Madrid exploits counterattacks. Betting platforms list odds of 2.07 for a Barcelona victory, 2.98 for Real Madrid, and 3.68 for a draw.

Fans expect an open, goal-filled game. The ability of young stars like Yamal and Bellingham to seize critical moments will be tested, while the expertise of Flick and Ancelotti could shape the outcome. Regardless of the result, the La Cartuja final is set to be a defining moment of the 2024/25 season, leaving lasting memories for fans.

Legacy of El Clásico in the Copa del Rey

The Copa del Rey has long been a prestigious stage for El Clásico, producing matches that resonate through history. The 2011 final, won by Real Madrid with a Cristiano Ronaldo goal in extra time, and the 2019 semifinal, claimed by Barcelona, are among the defining clashes. The 2025 edition has the potential to join this illustrious list, with both teams chasing glory.

The competition’s historical balance, combined with the caliber of today’s squads, points to a match decided by the smallest margins. A moment of brilliance from Vinicius Jr., a cohesive Barcelona move, or a defensive error could crown the champion. The La Cartuja final, with its electric atmosphere, will cement its place in Spanish football lore.