Real Madrid seek redemption in Copa del Rey final against Barcelona

After Champions League humiliation, Real Madrid eye silverware and pride in clash with Barcelona.

Kylian Mbappé and Jesús Vallejo of Real Madrid train at Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville, Spain, on April 25, 2025. Photo by Victor Carretero/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey final against Barcelona on Saturday offers a much-needed shot at redemption after their humbling European exit. The spotlight shines on under-fire manager Carlo Ancelotti and high-profile forward Kylian Mbappe, both of whom are eager to salvage pride and silverware in a season that has not gone to plan.

Earlier in April, Real Madrid’s Champions League ambitions were left in tatters after a devastating 5-1 aggregate loss to Arsenal. As Barcelona marched into the semi-finals for the first time since 2019, Madrid were left licking their wounds. Now, with the Real Madrid Copa del Rey final against Barcelona looming, the capital club has an opportunity to both claim a trophy and disrupt their rivals’ quest for a historic quadruple.

A Clasico showdown with added stakes

This Copa del Rey final is not just about silverware. It’s about restoring honor, regaining momentum in La Liga, and potentially throwing a wrench into Barcelona’s dream season. The Catalans currently lead La Liga by four points, with five matches remaining. Victory for Madrid in Seville would be more than just a trophy lift—it would be a psychological upper hand ahead of the next league Clasico on May 11.

Barcelona’s free-flowing, attacking football has drawn plaudits across Europe, while Madrid has looked increasingly disjointed. The last two encounters between these sides have seen Barcelona run riot, winning 4-0 in La Liga and 5-2 in the Spanish Super Cup. Ancelotti’s task is clear: halt the Catalan juggernaut and reignite belief in his players.

Mbappe’s turbulent journey in Madrid

Kylian Mbappe, who arrived with great expectations last summer, has found himself at the center of Madrid’s struggles. Despite scoring 33 goals in all competitions this season, his performances have been scrutinized. During Madrid’s last home match, his appearance on the big screen at Santiago Bernabeu was met with a smattering of whistles—a harsh reminder of how demanding the club’s supporters can be.

Even Cristiano Ronaldo, Madrid’s record goalscorer, experienced such treatment. For Mbappe, it’s a rite of passage. However, the fact remains that he is now viewed by many as the face of what could be a lost season.

After helping Madrid to a domestic and European double last year, Ancelotti’s decision to bring in the French forward was widely praised. But fitting him into a forward line already stacked with Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo Goes has proven to be a delicate balancing act.

Tactical puzzles for Ancelotti

The manager has struggled to accommodate all four attacking stars without compromising the team’s cohesion. Against a Barcelona side that has already scored nine goals across two matches against Madrid this season, a change of approach may be necessary.

Ancelotti admitted this week that finding balance has been a persistent issue.

“We’ve changed our style of play a bit, we have players with different characteristics, and it’s been hard for us to find a balance,” said the Italian coach. “If we find that balance, we can win.”

With Mbappe still nursing an ankle injury, Ancelotti may be tempted to start him from the bench and use him as a second-half weapon. Yet, given that the Frenchman scored both goals in Madrid’s January loss in the Spanish Super Cup, the risk of omitting him from the starting XI looms large.

Ancelotti confirmed that Mbappe is expected to be fit and participated in training on Thursday. Whether that leads to a start or a substitute role will be one of the coach’s biggest decisions.

Midfield concerns and missing leaders

Since the retirement of midfield maestro Toni Kroos last summer, Madrid has lacked control in the middle of the park. Injuries to key players such as Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao have further disrupted the squad, particularly in defense.

In light of these issues, Ancelotti may consider sacrificing Rodrygo to insert another midfielder into the starting XI. Such a move could offer Madrid more stability against a Barcelona team that thrives on dominating possession.

Rodrygo, while talented, has been inconsistent this season. Dropping him for someone like Eduardo Camavinga or Aurelien Tchouameni could offer Madrid better control in transitions and defensive cover against Barca’s relentless pressing.

Future on the line for Ancelotti

Speculation continues to swirl around Ancelotti’s future. While his contract runs until 2026, many believe he will be replaced at the end of the season if Madrid fail to secure major trophies.

A Copa del Rey triumph against their fiercest rivals would offer a lifeline—and perhaps a graceful exit if the club decides to part ways. Ancelotti has enjoyed considerable success across his two spells at the helm, including La Liga titles and a Champions League crown. But the pressure is immense, and patience is in short supply at the Bernabeu.

Summer rebuild looming

Regardless of the result in Seville, the need for a squad overhaul is clear. After the loss to Arsenal, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois voiced frustration over Madrid’s lack of a traditional striker.

“We put in a lot of crosses but this year we don’t have a Joselu, a born centre-forward up there,” said Courtois. His comment highlights the paradox facing Madrid: a squad full of world-class attacking talent, yet missing the type of forward who thrives in the box.

Joselu, once a journeyman, was surprisingly effective during his brief stint at the club. Now playing for Al-Gharafa in Qatar, his absence has become symbolic of a larger issue: Madrid’s lack of clarity in attack.

Addressing this imbalance will be a priority in the summer transfer window, alongside decisions about Ancelotti’s successor, if the Italian departs.

A final with high stakes and higher emotions

For Real Madrid, the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona is more than just another Clasico. It’s a battle for redemption, reputation, and possibly the future direction of the club. Victory could momentarily erase the bitter memories of the Champions League failure and reignite belief heading into the final weeks of La Liga.

The Real Madrid Copa del Rey final against Barcelona is set to deliver fireworks, with the eyes of the footballing world fixed on Seville. Whether it ends in jubilation or despair for Madrid remains to be seen—but one thing is certain: the stakes could not be higher.