SEVILLA, Spain — FC Barcelona and Real Madrid go head-to-head on Saturday for the 260th El Clásico, as they meet in the 2024-25 Copa del Rey Final at 4 p.m. ET, live on ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes from Estadio Olímpico de la Cartuja.
This intense rivalry will mark the eighth time these clubs have faced off in a Copa del Rey Final, with Real Madrid holding a slight edge, boasting five wins in such encounters. Both teams are in pursuit of a domestic double, adding to the high stakes of the match.
Star players will showcase their skills: FC Barcelona features the talents of Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, and Pedri, while Real Madrid is bolstered by Kylian Mbappé, Vini Jr., Jude Bellingham, and Luka Modrić, the 2018 FIFA Men’s Player of the Year.
Notably, this season, Barcelona has defeated Real Madrid in both previous matchups, including a decisive 4-0 victory at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in October, followed by a 5-2 win in the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia earlier this year.
Ian Darke will lead the English commentary alongside analysts Steve McManaman and reporters Sid Lowe and Nedum Onuoha. Spanish commentary will come from Ricardo Ortiz, Mario Kempes, and Martin Ainstein.
Before the cup final, ESPN FC’s pregame coverage kicks off at 3 p.m. ET, featuring host Kay Murray and analyst Alejandro Moreno.
The Copa del Rey Final sees both clubs in contrasting seasons. For Real Madrid, this match represents a vital opportunity to claim silverware and salvage their campaign, as they currently trail Barcelona by four points in La Liga.
Real Madrid has had an underwhelming season, enduring exits from major competitions, including a quarterfinal defeat to Arsenal in the Champions League. The team finds itself with limited trophy prospects, having only secured the UEFA Super Cup earlier this season.
On the other hand, Barcelona is eyeing a hat trick of wins against their arch-rivals, determined to maintain momentum ahead of their upcoming Champions League semifinal clash against Inter Milan.
Unfortunately for Barcelona, they will be without star striker Robert Lewandowski, who is recovering from a hamstring injury. Midfielder Pedri is expected to take charge in the midfield, supported by a blend of young talents and seasoned veterans.
Real Madrid will also have to adjust, missing key players such as Eduardo Camavinga, Dani Carvajal, and Eder Militao due to injuries.
The stakes are high as both teams step onto the field for a chance to claim the coveted Copa del Rey trophy and boost their respective seasons. Expect an electrifying atmosphere and fierce competition as history unfolds once more in this legendary derby.
