The stage is set for another chapter of El Clasico — but this time, there’s silverware on the line. Barcelona and Real Madrid collide in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday at Estadio de La Cartuja, bringing history, pressure, and a whole lot of fire to Seville.
Barcelona, aiming to lift the trophy for a record-extending 32nd time, enter the match riding high after a 1-0 win over Mallorca. They haven’t lost a domestic match since December, a streak that highlights the challenge facing Los Blancos.
But Real Madrid, chasing their 21st Copa title, have history on their side. They’ve won four of their seven finals against Barca and thrashed them 4-0 in their last cup meeting, a semi-final clash in 2023.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side also come in off a 1-0 win over Getafe thanks to a first-half strike from Arda Guler, keeping their La Liga title hopes alive. The pressure’s on after their Champions League exit — and Barcelona know it.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Barcelona vs. Real Madrid live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this El Clasico Copa del Rey final match in the U.S.:
TV channel: —
Live stream: ESPN+, ESPN App
This game is not available for live TV broadcast in the United States. Streaming options are available on ESPN App and ESPN+.
You can get an ESPN+ subscription for $11.99 per month or purchase an annual plan for $119.99 per year, a $24 savings. Stream your favorite teams live and enjoy more sports anywhere with an ESPN+ subscription.
What time does Barcelona vs. Real Madrid kick off?
This El Clasico Copa del Rey final takes place at the Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville, Spain and kicks off on Saturday, April 26 at 10:00 p.m. local time.
Here’s how that time translates across the U.S.:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Sat, Apr. 26 | 4:00 p.m. |
| Central Time | Sat, Apr. 26 | 3:00 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Sat, Apr. 26 | 2:00 p.m. |
| Pacific Time | Sat, Apr. 26 | 1:00 p.m. |
Barcelona vs. Real Madrid lineups, team news
Barcelona will be obliged to reshuffle their team for the next final, with some of their star players ruled out due to injury. The biggest blow is the loss of Robert Lewandowski, who remains sidelined with a hamstring issue and is not likely to return until next month’s fixture against Real Madrid. That leaves the door open for Ferran Torres to be the target man up front.
At left-back, youngster Gerard Martin would surely come in, with Alejandro Balde being ruled out. Midfield would also see Fermin Lopez getting the nod over Dani Olmo, who has been dealing with fitness issues recently. Pau Cubarsi should also be back in central defence, perhaps at the cost of Ronald Araujo.
Despite the setbacks, there are positives for the Blaugrana. Lamine Yamal and Raphinha remain nailed-on starters out wide, while Frenkie de Jong and Jules Kounde are both in line to return to the starting XI after being benched for the Mallorca fixture. However, injuries to Marc Casado, Marc Bernal, and goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen continue to limit the club’s options.
Barcelona predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Szczesny (GK) — Kounde, Cubarsi, I Martinez, Martin — De Jong, Pedri — Yamal, F. Lopez, Raphinha — Torres.
Injured: Robert Lewandowski, Alejandro Balde, Dani Olmo, Ronald Araujo.
Suspended: None.
Real Madrid will be deprived of Eduardo Camavinga and David Alaba for this Saturday’s El Clasico, as both the players are injured after developing muscular problems in Wednesday’s win over Getafe. Camavinga’s injury looks more significant, with the midfielder being expected to miss the rest of the season.
Fran Garcia will be expected to play at left-back from the beginning, with Carlo Ancelotti confirming Rodrygo will keep his spot in the XI despite being recently criticized. There’s also optimistic cautiousness over Kylian Mbappe, who is recovering from an ankle injury suffered in the Champions League against Arsenal. The Frenchman should be available.
At the same time, Ferland Mendy might be back in the matchday lineup, but Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao are still out with knee injuries.
Real Madrid predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Courtois (GK) — Vazquez, Asencio, Rudiger, F Garcia — Tchouameni, Valverde — Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius — Mbappe.
Injured: Eduardo Camavinga, David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao.
Suspended: None.
El Clasico Copa del Rey fixture schedule this week
All times ET
Saturday, April 26
- Barcelona vs. Real Madrid (4:00 p.m.)
