Mendy falls at 8 minutes and is substituted in thrilling Barcelona vs. Real Madrid clash in 2025 Copa del Rey final

The 2025 Copa del Rey final, played on Saturday, April 26, at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville, kicked off with high intensity. Barcelona and Real Madrid, two giants of world football, are facing off in the eighth clásico in the competition’s history, the first since 2014. In the opening 14 minutes, the match has already delivered moments of excitement, with Barcelona imposing their attacking style and Real Madrid facing an unexpected setback: the exit of Ferland Mendy, injured, at the 8-minute mark. The left-back, plagued by injuries this season, fell to the ground clutching his groin and was replaced by Fran García. The clash, marking the 260th encounter between the rivals, remains scoreless for now.

Barcelona, led by coach Hansi Flick, took the field with an aggressive approach. From the opening whistle, the Catalans relied on their trademark high defensive line, which quickly neutralized a Real Madrid counter-attack, catching the Merengues offside. The blaugrana side, chasing their 32nd title in the competition, displayed tactical discipline and intensity early on. Players like Raphinha, Ferran Torres, and Lamine Yamal spearheaded the offensive efforts, creating dangerous chances and forcing the opposing defense to stay alert. Real Madrid, in contrast, adopted a more cautious strategy, banking on quick transitions, but their plan was disrupted by Mendy’s injury.

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The atmosphere in Seville is electric. Over 70,000 fans fill La Cartuja Stadium, with Barcelona and Real Madrid supporters creating a spectacle of their own. Before the match, however, tensions flared. Clashes between fans of both teams resulted in one minor injury and an arrest, while police intervened to disperse a group of Barcelona ultras in the city center. Despite the incidents, the focus is now on the pitch, where the two clubs are battling not only for the trophy but also for supremacy in Spanish football.

Pre-game controversy heats up the clásico

The eve of the final was marked by a controversy involving Real Madrid and the refereeing team. The appointed referee, Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, gave an emotional press conference on Friday, criticizing Real Madrid’s repeated complaints about officiating, particularly following remarks aired on the club’s television channel. In response, Real Madrid issued an official statement demanding action from the Spanish Football Federation and opted out of traditional pre-match events, including the press conference and the official dinner in Seville. The absence of coach Carlo Ancelotti and players from the press conference was seen as a protest, and rumors of a potential boycott of the final circulated in the Spanish media. The club, however, firmly denied any intention of skipping the match, reaffirming their commitment to the competition.

The controversy added extra spice to the clásico. Barcelona, having defeated Real Madrid twice this season—4-0 in LaLiga and 5-2 in the Spanish Super Cup final—arrived at the final brimming with confidence. The Catalan side overcame opponents like Barbastro, Betis, Valencia, and Atlético de Madrid to reach the final, showcasing consistency and attacking prowess. Real Madrid, meanwhile, faced a more dramatic path, highlighted by a thrilling 4-4 draw against Real Sociedad in the semifinals. For the Merengues, the Copa del Rey represents a chance to salvage a season marred by early exits, such as their Champions League defeat to Arsenal.

Lineups and absences shape the match

The confirmed lineups brought surprises and challenges for both sides. Barcelona were without Robert Lewandowski, sidelined by a thigh injury and not even included in the matchday squad. Hansi Flick opted for a formation featuring Ferran Torres, Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, and Dani Olmo in attack, supported by Pedri and Frenkie de Jong in midfield. The defense, led by Iñigo Martínez and Pau Cubarsí, showed solidity early on, with Jules Koundé and Alejandro Baldé providing support on the flanks. The return of Marc-André ter Stegen in goal added confidence, following the goalkeeper’s recovery from a lengthy injury.

For Real Madrid, the decision to bench Kylian Mbappé caught many off guard. The French striker, still recovering from an ankle issue, gave way to an attack featuring Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo Goes, and Jude Bellingham, with Mbappé as a second-half option. Mendy’s exit at 8 minutes forced Carlo Ancelotti to make an early substitution, with Fran García taking over at left-back. The Merengue defense, composed of Antonio Rüdiger, Raúl Asencio, and Fede Valverde (improvised at right-back), struggled to contain Barcelona’s early pressure. In midfield, Dani Ceballos and Aurélien Tchouaméni aimed to provide balance, but the Catalan press made it tough for them to control the ball.

• Key Barcelona absences: Robert Lewandowski (thigh injury), Marc Bernal, Alejandro Baldé (injured during warm-up), and Casadó.
• Key Real Madrid absences: Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, Eduardo Camavinga, and Kylian Mbappé (on the bench, with an ankle injury).
• Impact on the game: Lewandowski’s absence forces Barcelona to rely on the creativity of Yamal and Raphinha, while Mendy’s injury exposes vulnerabilities in Real’s defense.

First 14 minutes: the game in detail

The opening whistle set the stage for a vibrant match, with Barcelona taking the initiative. In the first minute, Ferran Torres burst into the box from the left and attempted a cross for Raphinha, but Tchouaméni cleared for a corner. The resulting set-piece, at 2 minutes, saw Koundé head the ball wide, posing no threat. At 4 minutes, Raphinha took a heavy challenge from Lucas Vázquez, but the referee waved play on, sparking protests from the Catalan side. Barcelona’s pressure continued, with the team dominating possession and exploiting the flanks.

At 6 minutes, Barcelona’s high defensive line worked perfectly, catching Real Madrid offside during a counter-attack attempt. The most critical moment came at 8 minutes when Ferland Mendy collapsed on the pitch with groin pain. The left-back, who has been hampered by injuries all season, immediately requested a substitution. Fran García came on, but the change briefly unsettled Real’s defense. At 12 minutes, Lamine Yamal produced the most dangerous move so far, surging down the right, dribbling past Rüdiger and Fran García, only to be dispossessed by García at the last moment, conceding a corner.

• 1’: Ferran Torres attempts a cross, but Tchouaméni clears for a corner.
• 2’: Dani Olmo takes the corner, and Koundé heads wide.
• 8’: Mendy feels groin pain, falls, and is replaced by Fran García.
• 12’: Lamine Yamal dribbles past two defenders but is stopped by Fran García in the box.
• 14’: The score remains 0-0, with Barcelona controlling possession and Real relying on counter-attacks.

History of Copa del Rey clashes

The Barcelona vs. Real Madrid clásico in the Copa del Rey final is a rare and symbolic event. This is the eighth time the two clubs meet in the competition’s decider, with Real Madrid holding the edge: four wins (1936, 1974, 2011, and 2014) to Barcelona’s three (1968, 1983, and 1990). Their last final meeting, in 2014, saw Real triumph 2-1, with Gareth Bale scoring the decisive goal. For Barcelona, the chance to add to their record 31 titles in the competition is a clear goal, while Real Madrid seek their 20th trophy and an opportunity to end the season with a major honor.

The rivalry extends beyond finals. In 23 direct knockouts, including semifinals, quarterfinals, and round of 16 ties, Real Madrid have won 12, compared to Barcelona’s 11. The rivalry has produced unforgettable matches, such as the 6-6 draw in 1916, and continues to write new chapters. This season, Barcelona hold the upper hand, having won both clásicos played: 4-0 in LaLiga in October and 5-2 in the Spanish Super Cup in January. These results put extra pressure on Real Madrid to reverse the recent trend and claim the title.

Impact of injuries on performance

Injuries have been a defining factor for both teams this season, and the Copa del Rey final is no exception. For Barcelona, the absence of Robert Lewandowski, one of their top goalscorers, forces Hansi Flick to adjust his strategy. Ferran Torres has taken on the responsibility of leading the attack, while Lamine Yamal, at just 17, continues to shine as one of football’s brightest prospects. The return of Marc-André ter Stegen, who missed months due to injury, is a major boost, but the team still feels the absence of players like Marc Bernal and Casadó in midfield.

For Real Madrid, the situation is even more challenging. Mendy’s injury at 8 minutes adds to the absences of Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, and Eduardo Camavinga, all key starters. The decision to bench Kylian Mbappé, even if precautionary, reflects Carlo Ancelotti’s concerns about his squad’s fitness. Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo are tasked with carrying the attack, but the lack of rhythm among some players could limit Ancelotti’s options. Mendy’s early substitution for Fran García, while necessary, may disrupt the defensive cohesion, especially against a Barcelona side that exploits the flanks effectively.

The power of the fans in Seville

La Cartuja Stadium, with a capacity of 70,000, is the perfect stage for a clásico of this magnitude. The Barcelona and Real Madrid fans have turned Seville into a cauldron of emotions, with chants, flags, and pre-match excitement. Barcelona supporters filled the southern section of the stadium, while Real Madrid fans gathered in the northern sector, near Alamillo Park. Fan zones with giant screens, live music, and food stalls created a festive atmosphere, despite the incidents reported before the game.

The clashes between fans, though contained by police, underscore the intense rivalry between the two clubs. One fan was arrested, and another sustained minor injuries in a scuffle in central Seville hours before the match. Security forces were reinforced to ensure spectator safety, but the episodes highlight the passion and tension surrounding the clásico. Inside the stadium, the expectation is that the fans will continue to play a crucial role, urging their teams toward the title.

Key moments of the opening minutes

The first 14 minutes of the Copa del Rey final showed a more dominant Barcelona, though they have yet to convert their superiority into goals. The high press and movement from players like Lamine Yamal and Raphinha created problems for Real Madrid’s defense, which was forced to retreat. Mendy’s injury, however, could be a turning point, as Fran García, despite his talent, has less experience in high-stakes matches. Real Madrid, meanwhile, are banking on the speed of Vinícius Júnior and the vision of Jude Bellingham to strike on the counter.

• Timeline of key moments:
  • 1’: Ferran Torres bursts into the box and forces a corner after Tchouaméni’s clearance.
  • 2’: Koundé heads wide from Dani Olmo’s corner.
  • 4’: Raphinha takes a heavy challenge from Lucas Vázquez, but the referee waves play on.
  • 8’: Mendy collapses with groin pain and is replaced by Fran García.
  • 12’: Lamine Yamal dribbles past Rüdiger and Fran García but is stopped in the box.

What to expect from the rest of the match

With only 14 minutes played, the game remains finely balanced, but Barcelona appear more comfortable on the ball. Mendy’s exit may open up space for Lamine Yamal to exploit Real Madrid’s left flank, while Fran García’s introduction adds an element of unpredictability. Real Madrid will look to gain more control in midfield, with Tchouaméni and Ceballos tasked with neutralizing the creativity of Pedri and Frenkie de Jong. The potential second-half introduction of Kylian Mbappé is a trump card for Carlo Ancelotti, but it will depend on the player’s fitness.

The refereeing, led by Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, is also under scrutiny. After the pre-game controversy, the referee’s decisions could influence the match’s flow, particularly in contentious moments like Vázquez’s challenge on Raphinha. Barcelona, buoyed by their recent wins over Real, are pushing to impose their tempo, while the Merengues aim to regroup after the Mendy scare. The match promises to be a high-level spectacle, with both teams aware that the title could define their seasons.

Historical context and rivalry

The Barcelona-Real Madrid rivalry transcends football. Each clásico is a battle for prestige, history, and supremacy. In the Copa del Rey, the two clubs have delivered unforgettable moments, such as the 2011 final, won by Real Madrid with a Cristiano Ronaldo goal in extra time, and the 1990 final, where Johan Cruyff’s Barcelona triumphed 2-0. The 2025 edition marks their first final meeting in 11 years, and expectations are high for a closely contested match, with flashes of individual brilliance and collective tension.

Barcelona, leading LaLiga by four points over Real Madrid, are enjoying a resurgence under Hansi Flick. The Catalan side are dreaming of a “treble”—LaLiga, Copa del Rey, and Champions League—especially after eliminating tough opponents in the continental competition. Real Madrid, on the other hand, are navigating an inconsistent season, with an early Champions League exit and a Super Cup defeat. For Carlo Ancelotti, the Copa del Rey is a chance for redemption and to become the first Real Madrid coach to win the tournament in three editions.

Fun facts about the clásico

The 2025 Copa del Rey final is packed with stories and facts that enrich the rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid. Here are some curiosities that make this match even more special:

• This is the first final between the two clubs since 2014, when Gareth Bale scored a iconic goal, outpacing Marc Bartra.
• Barcelona hold the record for Copa del Rey titles, with 31, while Real Madrid have 19.
• Lamine Yamal, at just 17, is the youngest player on the pitch and already a standout in the clásico.
• The refereeing controversy echoes past incidents, such as Real Madrid’s complaints after Jude Bellingham’s red card against Espanyol.
• La Cartuja Stadium has hosted memorable finals, including Real Madrid’s victory over Barcelona in 2023.

Road to the final

Both Barcelona and Real Madrid faced significant challenges to reach the Copa del Rey final. Barcelona began their campaign with convincing wins over Barbastro (4-0), Betis (5-1), and Valencia (5-0), before facing Atlético de Madrid in the semifinals. They secured their spot with a 5-4 aggregate, highlighted by a 1-0 away win in the second leg. Real Madrid, meanwhile, defeated Deportiva Minera, Celta, Leganés, and Real Sociedad, with the semifinal against the Basques proving their toughest test: a 4-4 draw sealed their place in the final.

The campaigns reflect the teams’ distinct styles. Barcelona leaned on their attacking firepower, averaging 3.8 goals per game in the competition, while Real Madrid showed resilience, particularly in knockout ties. The final, played on neutral ground, levels the playing field, but Barcelona’s current form, combined with Real’s key absences, gives the Catalans a slight edge in the opening minutes. Still, Ancelotti’s experience in finals and the individual quality of players like Vinícius Júnior keep Real Madrid in contention.

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

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