This Saturday, Seville becomes the epicenter of world football. FC Barcelona and Real Madrid face in the grand final of the Copa del Rey, a duel that transcends the historical rivalry and that arrives at a decisive moment for both. La Cartuja, dressed in gala, will host more than 100,000 fans who will collapse the city between nerves, songs and passion. Tickets, at record prices – between 72 and 270 euros – reflect the magnitude of a party that paralyzes the country.
Two different paths, the same goal
Real Madrid faces this final with a redemption flavor. After their recent elimination in Champions against Arsenal, the whites see in this cup the opportunity to raise a title and regain pride before the final stretch of the season. Carlo Ancelotti, questioned in recent days, trusts his most experienced block. Ferland Mendy will start after overcoming his injury, and Fede Valverde has already made it clear that the team is mentalized: “It is another final,” he said serenity, faithful to the style of who has already lived many big nights.
In front, an FC Barcelona in the middle of growth. Under the direction of Hansi Flick, the Barca team has gained solidity, dynamism and optimism. Pedri is going through a great moment in form, and Ter Stegen has finally entered the call. One of the spotlights will be on Lamine Yamal, the young pearl of only 17 years to which many already see how the future of the club. Ronald Koeman, who directed Barça in his last cup conquered in 2021, has been clear: “You have to let him play and not put so much pressure.”
Both clubs arrive with their best weapons, although in the case of Barça we will also have to take into account the proximity of their European duel against Inter Milan, which could condition certain minutes or decisions during the party.
An arbitration under the magnifying glass
The referee designated for the final is Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, with González Fuertes in the VAR room. However, the atmosphere around his figure is not precisely relaxed. The tension caused by Real Madrid TV’s critic videos has led to an unusual press conference and loaded with emotion, in which Burgos came to break when talking about his son: “When my son goes to school and tells him that his father is a thief and returns crying, he is very hard.”
Beyond personal emotions, the arbitration collective has shown unity and has warned of possible measures if media attacks continue. The pressure is served, and the development of the party will be followed with magnifying glass from the first minute.
Living history of Spanish football
FC Barcelona reaches its 43rd end with the intention of raising its 32nd title, reaffirming its historical domain in this competition. Real Madrid, meanwhile, is looking for its 21st Cup in its end number 41. Both clubs have had their great nights in the Cartuja: Barça won their last cupo title in 2021 by scoring Athletic (4-0), and the whites did the same in 2023 against Osasuna (2-1).
Beyond the titles, this classic promises to be another unforgettable battle. Ancelotti could bet on a structure of four midfielders to contain Barça in the middle and look for spaces with the speed of Vinicius and Rodrygo. Flick, on the other hand, will rely on his young talent trio – Ppedri, Gavi and Lamine – to build from possession and break from creativity.
The stage is ready. The teams too. The Cartuja will witness another large football night, where the past weighs, the present burns and the future begins to write.