Vinicius Jr.’s offside halts Real Madrid: Barcelona presses in 0-0 Copa del Rey final up to 10 minutes

Seville, April 26, 2025 – The Estadio de La Cartuja, packed with 70,000 fans, hosts one of football’s greatest spectacles this Saturday at 5:00 PM (Brasilia time). Barcelona and Real Madrid face off in the 2024/25 Copa del Rey final, and up to the 10th minute of the first half, the score remains 0-0. The match, broadcast live on ESPN and Disney+, began with Barcelona imposing their possession-based style, while Real Madrid, relying on counterattacks, saw Vinicius Jr. caught offside at the 6th minute. Ferland Mendy’s injury, prompting a substitution request at the 8th minute, stirs the Merengue bench, and the crowd roars with the intensity of the clásico. This is the first Copa del Rey final between the rivals since 2014, reigniting a historic rivalry with 259 official matches, including 105 Real Madrid wins, 102 Barcelona victories, and 52 draws.

Without Robert Lewandowski, sidelined by a thigh injury, Barcelona relies on Raphinha and Lamine Yamal in attack, with Ferran Torres as the focal point. Real Madrid, missing Kylian Mbappé in the starting lineup due to an ankle injury, fields Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr. as the attacking duo, supported by Jude Bellingham in midfield. The referee, Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, is under scrutiny after controversies involving Real Madrid’s criticism, which included a video questioning his impartiality. So far, the referee maintains control, despite a harsh tackle by Lucas Vázquez on Raphinha at the 4th minute, which went uncalled.

Siga o Mix Vale no Google e veja nossas notícias primeiro

Off the pitch, Seville buzzes with excitement and tension. Around 26,000 fans from each club traveled for the final, filling hotels and bars. An incident between Barcelona ultras and police, resulting in one arrest, marked the eve of the match. The rivalry, transcending sport, captivates millions of fans across 200 countries, with the hashtag #ElClasico2025 trending on social media. The game, still in its early stages, promises to be an unforgettable chapter in Spanish football history.

Early moments in La Cartuja

The opening of the final featured tactical balance and moments of danger. Below are five key moments defining the first 10 minutes:

• 1st minute: Ferran Torres entered the box from the left and attempted a cross to Raphinha, but Tchouaméni cleared for a corner, setting Barcelona’s attacking tone.
• 2nd minute: Dani Olmo took a left-sided corner, and Jules Koundé headed wide, posing no threat to goalkeeper Courtois.
• 4th minute: Raphinha endured a heavy challenge from Lucas Vázquez in midfield, but the referee did not call a foul, sparking Catalan protests.
• 6th minute: Vinicius Jr. was caught offside during a Real Madrid counterattack attempt, thwarted by Barcelona’s high defensive line.
• 8th minute: Ferland Mendy went down with groin pain and requested a substitution, forcing an early change for Real Madrid.

Tactical strategies at play

Under Hansi Flick, Barcelona sticks to its possession-based identity, averaging 58% possession in LaLiga. Raphinha on the left and Lamine Yamal on the right exploit the flanks, while Pedri and Frenkie de Jong control midfield. The high defensive line, led by Pau Cubarsí, proved effective in catching Vinicius Jr. offside at the 6th minute. Without Lewandowski, Ferran Torres must be more involved, but he has yet to find space in the Merengue defense.

Coached by Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid adopts a reactive stance, seeking counterattacks with Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo. A four-man midfield, including Bellingham and Valverde, aims to neutralize Barcelona’s midfield dominance. Mendy’s injury at the 8th minute may force Ancelotti to adjust the defense, likely with Fran García as a substitute. Mbappé’s absence from the starting lineup reduces attacking potency, but Endrick, the Copa del Rey’s top scorer with five goals, is a potential game-changer off the bench.

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

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

Raphinha and the mission to lead the attack

Raphinha, enjoying his best season at Barcelona, is the main hope without Lewandowski. With 10 goals and 7 assists this season, the Brazilian is in top form, especially after scoring twice in the 2025 Supercopa against Real Madrid. At the 4th minute, he took a heavy hit from Lucas Vázquez, showcasing his ability to draw defenders. His movement on the left, paired with Yamal’s speed, challenges the Merengue defense, which has shown vulnerability against Barcelona’s high line.

The Brazilian, a Ballon d’Or contender, thrives in clásicos. In the 4-0 LaLiga rout of Real Madrid in October 2024, Raphinha was pivotal with a goal and an assist. Up to the 10th minute, he has been involved in two attacking moves but needs more precision to beat Courtois. His connection with Pedri, probing for gaps in midfield, is a key asset for Barcelona.

Vinicius Jr. and the offside challenge

Vinicius Jr., Real Madrid’s primary weapon, was halted at the 6th minute by an offside call, highlighting the effectiveness of Barcelona’s high line. With 12 goals and 8 assists this season, the Brazilian leads LaLiga in dribbles (78 completed) and fouls suffered (92). His speed is crucial for Merengue counterattacks, but Cubarsí and Iñigo Martínez’s marking has been relentless. Vinicius, who has scored five goals against Barcelona in 15 matches, seeks his first big moment in the final.

Vinicius also fuels the off-field tension. Cleared to play after a LaLiga suspension for aggression, he faces taunts from the Catalan crowd. Up to the 10th minute, his impact was limited by the offside call, but his ability to turn a single moment into a game-changer keeps Barcelona’s defense on edge. His duel with Koundé, who has contained him in past clásicos, promises to be decisive.

Refereeing under pressure

Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, the final’s referee, faces a monumental task. Criticized by Real Madrid in an official video questioning his impartiality, he started the match conservatively, opting not to call a foul on Raphinha at the 4th minute. Assisted by Diego Barbero Sevilla and Miguel Martínez Munuera, with Juan Martínez Munuera on VAR, Burgos must maintain control in a high-stakes clásico. Up to the 10th minute, no cards have been issued, but Vázquez’s tackle on Raphinha already sparked complaints.

The pre-match controversy heightened tensions. Real Madrid, which skipped the official dinner and Ancelotti’s press conference, issued a statement denying rumors of boycotting the final. Refereeing, a frequent target of protests from both clubs in past El Clásicos, will be closely watched, especially in incidents involving Vinicius Jr., known for drawing fouls.

• Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea: Did not call a foul on Raphinha at the 4th minute, keeping the game flowing.
• Raphinha (Barcelona): Took a heavy hit from Vázquez, unpunished, at the 4th minute.
• Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid): Caught offside at the 6th minute, neutralized by the Catalan defense.
• Ferland Mendy (Real Madrid): Injured at the 8th minute, requested substitution, impacting the defense.
• Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona): Led the high line that caught Vinicius offside.

Atmosphere in Seville

The Estadio de La Cartuja, expanded to hold 70,000 fans, is split between Barcelona and Real Madrid supporters. Each club received 26,000 tickets, sold out at prices ranging from 72 to 270 euros. Mosaics and chants turn the stadium into a cauldron, with Catalans celebrating the early pressure and Merengues rallying despite Mendy’s injury. Seville, with hotels at 95% capacity, experiences an economic boom, driven by fans from Europe, Latin America, and Asia.

An altercation between Barcelona ultras and police, resulting in one arrest, marked the day before the match. Security was bolstered with 2,000 officers, ensuring calm in the streets. Bars like La Taberna del Río report record revenue, and plazas like Plaza de España host fans with flags and songs. The hashtag #ElClasico2025, with millions of mentions, reflects the global impact of the showdown.

Ideal weather for football

Seville offers perfect conditions for the final, with temperatures between 18°C and 23°C, partly cloudy skies, and light winds. The 50% humidity and absence of rain ensure an impeccable La Cartuja pitch, ideal for Barcelona’s technical play and Real Madrid’s speed. Up to the 10th minute, the field has supported quick passing, with Barcelona dominating possession and Real Madrid seeking transitions. The mild weather keeps the crowd energized in the stands.

The festive atmosphere spills into the streets, where Catalan and Merengue fans coexist peacefully despite the rivalry. The forecast for the rest of the match is stable, ensuring the focus remains on the on-field spectacle. The pitch quality, praised by Flick and Ancelotti, is an ally for stars like Raphinha and Vinicius Jr.

Historic rivalry

El Clásico is one of sport’s greatest rivalries, with 259 official matches up to April 2025: 105 Real Madrid wins, 102 Barcelona victories, and 52 draws. In the Copa del Rey, this is the eighth final between the clubs, with four Merengue triumphs (1936, 1974, 2011, 2014) against three Catalan successes (1968, 1983, 1990). The last final, in 2014, ended with a 2-1 Real Madrid win, sealed by Gareth Bale’s decisive goal.

In the last five encounters, Real Madrid won four, but Barcelona shone in key moments, like the 5-2 Supercopa thrashing in 2025 and a 4-0 LaLiga rout in 2024. Up to the 10th minute, the historic balance is evident on the pitch, with Barcelona more attacking and Real Madrid cautious. The presence of Brazilians like Raphinha, Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, and Endrick adds a special flavor to the clásico.

Teams’ current form

Barcelona is enjoying a stellar season, leading LaLiga with 74 points and unbeaten since December 2024. Hansi Flick’s side defeated Atlético de Madrid 5-4 on aggregate in the Copa del Rey semifinals, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal in the return leg. A 4-1 Champions League rout of Bayern and leadership in the European competition bolster Catalan confidence. Without Lewandowski, Raphinha and Yamal are the stars, backed by a solid midfield with Pedri and De Jong.

Real Madrid, despite setbacks, arrives motivated. The team eliminated Real Sociedad 5-4 on aggregate, with Endrick scoring twice in the semifinals. In LaLiga, they trail Barcelona by four points, and a Champions League quarterfinal exit to Arsenal makes the Copa del Rey their main title hope. Mendy’s injury and Mbappé’s absence from the starting lineup are challenges, but Vinicius Jr. and Bellingham keep the team competitive.

El Clásico trivia

The Barcelona-Real Madrid clash is rich with notable facts:

• Barcelona is the Copa del Rey’s most successful club, with 31 titles, compared to Real Madrid’s 20.
• The biggest thrashing was an 11-1 Real Madrid win in 1943, in the Copa del Rey.
• Raphinha scored twice in the last final between the clubs, in the 2025 Supercopa.
• Endrick, with five goals, is the 2025 Copa del Rey top scorer, tied with Ferran Torres.
• La Cartuja has hosted five Copa del Rey finals since 2020, with three Catalan victories.

2025 season timeline

The Copa del Rey final is a milestone in a packed season for both clubs:

• January 2025: Barcelona thrashed Real Madrid 5-2 in the Supercopa de España, with Raphinha scoring twice.
• March 2025: Barcelona defeated Bayern 4-1 in the Champions League, led by Yamal’s brilliance.
• April 2025: Real Madrid ousted Real Sociedad 5-4 in the Copa del Rey semifinals, with Endrick’s goals.
• April 2, 2025: Barcelona beat Atlético de Madrid 1-0, securing their final spot.
• April 26, 2025: Barcelona and Real Madrid are tied at 0-0 up to the 10th minute of the Copa del Rey final.

Economic and cultural impact

The final generates millions of euros in Seville, through tickets, tourism, and broadcast rights. Hotels at 95% capacity and packed bars reflect the economic boost. Fans from Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina, drawn by Raphinha and Vinicius Jr., underscore the match’s global appeal. Culturally, El Clásico mirrors tensions between Catalonia and Madrid but also celebrates diversity, with players like Yamal, of Moroccan descent, and Vinicius, Brazilian.

On social media, memes and banter dominate, with #ElClasico2025 amassing millions of mentions. In Brazil, venues like Allianz Bar in São Paulo and Bar do Zeca in Rio host fans. The rivalry, transcending sport, is a global phenomenon, broadcast in 200 countries to an estimated 500 million viewers.

Match expectations

With the score at 0-0 up to the 10th minute, Barcelona maintains pressure, led by Raphinha and Yamal. Mendy’s injury could weaken Real Madrid’s defense, especially against flank play. Real Madrid relies on Vinicius Jr.’s speed and Endrick’s potential impact off the bench. The refereeing, under scrutiny, will be pivotal in controversial calls, like Vinicius’s offside at the 6th minute.

The tactical balance suggests a tight contest, with Barcelona favored by betting odds (2.10 vs. 3.10 for Real Madrid). El Clásico history, with blowouts like Barcelona’s 4-0 in 2024, hints that a single goal could ignite the match. So far, the game promises thrills, with La Cartuja pulsing at every moment.