Real Madrid fans have been dealt a major blow just ahead of the highly anticipated El Clasico. Their star forward, Kylian Mbappe, is reportedly set to miss the marquee Copa del Rey final against arch-rivals Barcelona.
The final is set to take place at the Estadio La Cartuja in Seville on Saturday, April 26, as two of Spain’s biggest clubs lock horns once again for silverware.
"OFFICIAL: Mbappé on the bench for Real Madrid as he’s still feeling pain in his ankle. Courtois; Vazquez, Asencio, Rüdiger, Mendy; Tchouameni, Ceballos, Valverde, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr"
The update was shared by Fabrizio Romano
Barcelona Looking to Extend Dominance Over Real Madrid
Barcelona will be heading into the Copa del Rey final with a psychological edge, having dominated Real Madrid in their last two meetings. The Catalan giants thrashed Los Blancos 4-0 in La Liga before dishing out a 5-2 hammering in the Supercopa de Espana Final.
Despite their historical success — winning a record 31 Copa del Rey titles — Barcelona have not lifted the trophy since the 2020-21 season. However, Xavi’s men will be hungry to end that drought this weekend.
Real Madrid Eyeing Another Cup Triumph
Real Madrid, meanwhile, rank third in Copa del Rey triumphs, having won the prestigious tournament 20 times. Their most recent title came in the 2022-23 season. However, the reigning champions of the competition are Athletic Bilbao, not either of the Spanish heavyweights.
With Mbappe sidelined, Carlo Ancelotti’s side will need to dig deep if they hope to reclaim the crown and add another chapter to their rich history.
When and Where to Watch El Clasico: Copa del Rey Final 2025
The Copa del Rey 2024-25 final between Barcelona and Real Madrid will kick off at 1:30 AM IST on Sunday, April 27, for fans tuning in from India. The high-stakes showdown will be played at the Estadio La Cartuja in Seville, Spain.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Kick-off Timings Across Different Regions
- India: 1:30 AM IST (April 27)
- USA: 4 PM ET / 1 PM PT
- UK: 9 PM BST
- Australia: 6 AM AEST (April 27)
Live Streaming and Telecast Details
How to Watch in India
Unfortunately, there will be no TV broadcast of the Copa del Rey final in India. However, fans can still catch the action via live streaming on the FanCode app and website.
How to Watch in the USA
American fans can stream the Barcelona vs Real Madrid final on platforms like Fubo, ESPN+, DirecTV Stream, and ESPN Deportes.
How to Watch in the UK
In the United Kingdom, the Copa del Rey final will be broadcast exclusively live on Premier Sports 1 and the Premier Sports Player.
How to Watch in Australia
Fans in Australia can enjoy live streaming of the El Clasico final on BeIN Sports.
Probable Starting Lineups
Barcelona Predicted XI
- Szczesny, Kounde, Cubarsi, I Martinez, Martin, De Jong, Pedri, Yamal, F Lopez, Raphinha, Torres
Real Madrid Predicted XI
- Courtois, Vazquez, Asencio, Rudiger, F Garcia, Tchouameni, Valverde, Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius
About Copa del Rey
The Copa del Rey is Spain’s prestigious domestic knockout football competition, organized annually by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). Winning this trophy is considered a major achievement, with intense rivalries — like El Clasico — adding to its rich history.