Sat Apr 26 18:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Barcelona Confident Ahead of Copa del Rey Clásico Showdown

**Seville, Spain** – FC Barcelona is brimming with confidence as they prepare to face Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final at Seville’s La Cartuja stadium on Saturday. This highly anticipated Clásico match marks the 121st final of the competition and the 25th overall meeting between the two rivals at a unique venue.

Goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen is fully recovered from injury and will feature in the squad. Coach Hansi Flick, seeking his second trophy of the season after winning the Spanish Super Cup, expressed his excitement, stating, “The stadium is incredibly good, and we have to enjoy the game. We want to win this final.”

Players echoed the manager’s sentiment. Ronald Araujo described the upcoming match as “a totally different game” compared to previous encounters, while Frenkie de Jong highlighted the special nature of any Clásico.

Meanwhile, Barcelona’s U19 team secured their place in the UEFA Youth League final after a 1-0 victory over AZ Alkmaar.

The build-up to the final has also seen its share of controversy. Flick defended the refereeing team against Real Madrid’s criticism, emphasizing the importance of respect for match officials. LaLiga president Javier Tebas criticized Real Madrid’s actions as “power grabbing,” while Barcelona president Joan Laporta urged unity and caution among travelling fans. Speculation also surrounds the potential debut of Lamine Yamal’s new blonde hairstyle. Barça’s Champions League semi-final opponent, Inter Milan, is reportedly planning to utilize their full squad, including Lautaro Martínez, but will be without Marcus Thuram for their match against Roma.

Read More