Real Madrid looking forward to getting their first win over Barcelona in an El Clasico Copa del Rey final
Great rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona are set for a tantalising Clasico clash in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday, marking the first such encounter in over a decade.
The bitter rivals will pen another chapter in their storied saga at Seville’s La Cartuja stadium, in what will be their 260th meeting.
This will be only the eighth time they have locked horns in the Copa del Rey final, with a balanced historical record.
Madrid edge the tally, having claimed victory in four of the seven finals, including memorable wins in 2011 and 2014 that still resonate with football enthusiasts due to their intensity and unforgettable goals.
In 2011, under Jose Mourinho, Madrid claimed the Copa del Rey trophy after an 18-year drought, winning 1-0 against Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona in extra time courtesy of a stunning header by Cristiano Ronaldo.
Three years later, the Spanish giants met again in the final at Valencia.
The match is etched in football history due to a spectacular solo goal by Gareth Bale, a 50-metre dash down the left touchline that secured Carlo Ancelotti’s Real a 2-1 victory, following Angel Di Maria’s opener.
Madrid also won in 1936 and 1975, while Barcelona claimed the trophy in 1968, 1983 and 1990.
Barca already have two victories over Madrid this season, winning 4-0 at the Bernabeu in LaLiga in October and 5-2 in the Supercopa de Espana final in Saudi Arabia in January.
The Blaugrana will be aiming to increase their record haul of 31 Copa del Rey titles. Athletic Bilbao follow with 24, while Madrid lag behind in third with 20.
This clash will also serve as a dress rehearsal for a potentially crucial Clasico on May 11.
As it stands, Los Blancos trail Barca by four points in LaLiga, meaning next month’s meeting could well be key in deciding the title.
After winning this season in LaLiga (0-4) and in the Supercopa de Espana final (5-2), Hansi Flick could become just the second Barca boss to win his first three Clasicos across all competitions, after Pep Guardiola (five between 2008 and 2010).
Carlo Ancelotti, meanwhile, is hunting a 16th trophy as Madrid boss.
The Italian has defeated Barca in a final on two previous occasions, both back in 2014 (Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana).
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