Who: Barcelona vs Actual Madrid
What: Spanish Copa del Rey
The place: Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, Spain
When: Sunday at 4:15pm native time (14:15 GMT)
Observe Al Jazeera Sport’s live text and photo commentary stream.
LaLiga leaders Barcelona will look to increase their lead over second-placed Actual Madrid to seven factors when the groups meet within the Spanish prime flight on Sunday.
With solely 4 video games to play of the home season in Spain, victory for Barca would put one hand on the title that Actual received final season.
It might additionally cap a season of dominance for the Catalan membership over their fierce rivals.
Al Jazeera appears by all of the speaking factors and information earlier than the ultimate El Clasico of the season.
What has occurred to Actual’s Champions League and LaLiga defence?
Actual Madrid’s season appeared disastrous just a few weeks in the past, but when Carlo Ancelotti’s aspect can lastly beat rivals Barcelona in Sunday’s Clasico, their title defence will likely be resuscitated.
A victory for Actual would cut the hole to 1 level with three video games to play.
Madrid have been left licking their wounds after a Champions League quarterfinal thrashing by Arsenal, and coach Ancelotti is poised to depart on the finish of the season, but it surely may but be with a serious trophy in his palms.
What occurred to Barcelona’s quadruple hopes?
Barcelona’s European dream ended by the hands of Inter Milan on Tuesday, little question brightening spirits within the Spanish capital.
With Barcelona’s quadruple dream crushed by Inter, ought to Madrid defend their title, they may even classify their season as successful.
What have Barcelona received this season?
The Catalans have already secured the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup, each of which they received by beating Actual Madrid within the closing.
What occurred within the final El Clasico in LaLiga?
Barcelona have been 4-0 winners at Real Madrid within the first El Clasico of the LaLiga season in October.
Robert Lewandowski put the guests two up early within the second half at Santiago Bernabeu. Lamine Yamal and Raphinha accomplished the scoring.
Mixed with the 2 cup victories, Barcelona have netted 12 targets throughout the three video games to this point.
Barca have conceded solely 4, with Hansi Flick’s aspect outplaying Madrid on every event.
This FRONT 3… 🔥 pic.twitter.com/TFsqju069J
— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) May 9, 2025
What has Ancelotti mentioned earlier than the match?
“We can have a terrific alternative, now we have to organize effectively – it’s an virtually decisive match,” mentioned Ancelotti.
Reflecting on the Copa del Rey closing, which went to additional time, Ancelotti added, “The final match was aggressive, we have been very near successful and I don’t assume now we have to invent a number of new issues [tactically],” mentioned Ancelotti.
“We’ve got to try to play a severe sport, and we are going to accomplish that with all the arrogance on the earth.
“Regardless of all our issues, the very fact we’re right here and we will struggle on this match is one thing lovely.”
Will Ancelotti give Guler one other go?
Final weekend against Celta Vigo Ancelotti additionally afforded Turkish 20-year-old Arda Guler a uncommon begin, and he impressed in midfield, offering impetus which the retired Toni Kroos gave final season, as Madrid received a LaLiga and Champions League double.
Guler additionally impressed in its place within the Copa closing and Ancelotti could begin him on the Olympic stadium this weekend.
“At Madrid, it’s important to suck it up on the bench earlier than you change into an indeniable begin on this staff – Arda has the profile of a participant who could possibly be a starter at Madrid,” mentioned Ancelotti.
“He sucked it up on the bench, he didn’t get aggravated and he has advanced … he’s not the identical Guler from final September.”
What has Flick mentioned earlier than the match?
A house defeat on Sunday wouldn’t be the dying knell for his or her title bid however would ramp up the stress on Flick’s younger, comparatively inexperienced expenses.
“[We] need to go on, now we have 5 days to organize and we need to win it,” mentioned the German coach after the loss in Milan in one of many all-time basic Champions League semifinals.
“[This defeat] should get up the starvation to win the title, that is vital for me.”
What are Barcelona’s remaining fixtures?
Barcelona make the quick journey to cross-city rivals Espanyol on Thursday earlier than entertaining Villareal subsequent Sunday of their closing house fixture of the marketing campaign.
The season finale sees Barca head to Bilbao on Might 25, to face Athletic Membership, who have been knocked out of the Europa League by Manchester United on Thursday.
What are Actual Madrid’s remaining fixtures?
Actual entertain Mallorca on Wednesday earlier than travelling to Seville subsequent Sunday.
Their closing sport of the season is house to Actual Sociedad.
Barcelona staff information
Barcelona defender Jules Kounde is absent with a hamstring harm on Thursday.
Striker Robert Lewandowski returned to the bench in opposition to Inter following a leg harm.
Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny will likely be challenged for a beginning place by first-choice keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who’s again after a protracted harm layoff.
Predicted Barcelona XI: Szczesny; Eric, Cubarsi, Martinez, Martin; Pedri, de Jong; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Actual Madrid staff information
Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao have been dominated out for the rest of the season and have been joined on the sidelines by, Eduardo Camavinga, Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy and David Alaba.
Brazilian ahead Rodrygo, nonetheless, is about to return from sickness.
Predicted Actual Madrid XI: Courtois; Vazquez, Tchouameni, Asencio, Garcia; Valverde, Modric; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappe
