Copa del Rey 2025: the date and venue of the final officially revealed

The stage is finally set. Spanish football fans can now mark their calendars as the official date and venue for the 2025 Copa del Rey final have been confirmed. This year’s edition promises to be nothing short of epic, as two of the world’s most iconic football clubs—FC Barcelona and Real Madrid—are set to lock horns in the grand finale.

After weeks of speculation, the Spanish Football Federation announced that the final will take place on April 26, 2025, at 10 p.m. local time, and will be held at the Estadio La Cartuja in Seville. The announcement was made with much anticipation, as fans of both clubs eagerly awaited confirmation of when and where the season’s most prestigious domestic cup would be decided.

Estadio La Cartuja, with its rich history and capacity of over 60,000, has hosted numerous high-profile matches over the years, including previous Copa del Rey finals and even European fixtures. This iconic stadium, situated in the heart of Seville, is no stranger to El Clásico drama—and this final is expected to bring fireworks once again.

The 2025 Copa del Rey final holds extra significance this season as both teams are neck and neck in La Liga and still in contention for Champions League glory. It’s a year where bragging rights extend beyond just silverware—they represent dominance in one of football’s fiercest rivalries.

FC Barcelona already have a trophy in the cabinet this season after winning the Spanish Super Cup, which they lifted under the leadership of new head coach Hansi Flick. Despite some early doubts, Flick’s side has started to gel, and their form leading into the final looks solid.

Real Madrid, on the other hand, have also enjoyed early success this campaign, having claimed the UEFA Super Cup. Led by the ever-experienced Carlo Ancelotti, Los Blancos will be keen to assert themselves domestically once more after being dethroned by Barcelona in the Supercopa.

This means the Copa del Rey final could serve as a tiebreaker of sorts—a decisive clash that might define who truly ruled Spanish football this season. While both clubs have continental aspirations, a domestic cup final featuring their biggest rival is a prize that cannot be overlooked.

The last time Barça and Madrid met in a Copa del Rey final was in 2014, a game that produced one of the most iconic goals in recent history—Gareth Bale’s stunning solo run down the flank. Since then, both clubs have evolved, seen managerial changes, and introduced a new generation of stars.

This year, it’s the likes of Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and João Félix who will represent Barcelona’s hopes, while Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo carry Real Madrid’s attacking torch. It’s a generational battle filled with youthful flair, strategic brilliance, and historical weight.

In the build-up to the final, tensions will be high. Both sides are scheduled to meet just a week earlier in La Liga on matchday 35, a crucial fixture that could impact the title race. That encounter will take place at Barcelona’s temporary home ground, Montjuïc Stadium, and will serve as a preview for the blockbuster Copa clash.

The proximity of both matches means coaches will have to manage squad rotation carefully, avoid injuries, and prepare for psychological warfare. While winning the league is important, lifting the Copa del Rey in a head-to-head showdown with your eternal rival carries a different kind of prestige.

Estadio La Cartuja itself will transform into a battlefield where emotions will run wild. Thousands of fans are expected to travel from Barcelona and Madrid to Seville, with millions more watching from around the world. The atmosphere is expected to be electric, with security and logistics already being prioritized by local authorities.

For Hansi Flick, it will be a defining moment in his first season in charge of Barça. For Ancelotti, who may be in his final months with Madrid amid constant speculation about his future, it could be a farewell triumph. Both men understand what’s at stake—not just the trophy, but a statement of intent.

Media and fans have already started to speculate on the possible starting lineups, injury returns, and tactical approaches. Will Flick trust youth in a high-pressure final, or rely on experienced heads like Gündoğan and Lewandowski? Will Ancelotti go with the tried-and-true 4-4-2 diamond or throw a surprise?

As April 26 draws closer, anticipation will only rise. The Copa del Rey final between Barcelona and Real Madrid isn’t just another match—it’s a footballing spectacle steeped in legacy, tension, and fierce competition.

Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain: Seville is about to witness another unforgettable chapter in El Clásico history. The only question left to answer is—who will rise, and who will fall under the lights of La Cartuja?

Let the countdown begin.