• Barcelona aims for a third win over Real Madrid this season in the Copa del Rey final.
• Real Madrid looks for redemption after previous defeats in LaLiga and the Super Cup.
• Key players like Lewandowski are absent for Barcelona, while Mbappé returns for Real Madrid.
• The final takes place at Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville, a historic venue.
• This match could define the trajectories of both teams as they pursue silverware.

In a thrilling climax to the 2024-2025 season, Barcelona and Real Madrid will clash in the Copa del Rey final, marking their third meeting this season. Barcelona has previously triumphed over their archrivals with striking victories: 5-2 in the Super Cup final and 4-0 in October's LaLiga match. As the most successful club in Copa history with 31 trophies, Barcelona seeks another cup to bolster their ambition for a treble, while Real aims to erase their struggles this season, including a Champions League exit at the hands of Arsenal, according to Channel News Asia, Al Jazeera, and BBC.

Both teams have significant stakes in this encounter. Barcelona's manager, Hansi Flick, has revitalized the squad, steering them to an impressive season with only one loss in all competitions. They sit at the top of LaLiga, leading Real by four points. With primary scorer Robert Lewandowski sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Barcelona will depend on younger talent, including 17-year-old Lamine Yamal and Brazilian Raphinha. Meanwhile, Real's coach Carlo Ancelotti will gain a much-needed boost with the return of Kylian Mbappé from injury, which could invigorate the team's attacking line, reports Channel News Asia and Al Jazeera.

Set to happen at the Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville, a venue with a capacity of 57,600, this final is anticipated not only as a contest for the cup but also as a defining moment for both clubs' trajectories. For Barcelona, a victory may signify the club's resurgence after years of struggles. For Real, it presents an opportunity to salvage their fading season and regain some much-needed pride after having suffered heavy defeats against Barcelona previously this year, as highlighted by Al Jazeera and BBC.

This match also marks a pivotal chapter in the rivalry, with significant implications for both teams' fans and legacies. Barcelona's youthful exuberance against Real's attempts to reclaim their dominance will underpin much of the pre-match narrative. As Barcelona's manager Flick noted, "The journey is just as crucial as the results," reflecting the philosophical shift in Barcelona's approach this season. Real Madrid must now prove their ability to adapt and mitigate the defensive vulnerabilities that have hindered their efforts so far, as per insights from Channel News Asia and BBC.

As this storied rivalry prepares for its 260th competitive encounter, the stakes could not be higher. The outcome of the final may resonate far beyond this season, potentially shaping the future narratives for both clubs, either as champions or as teams in the midst of transition and rebuilding, according to Al Jazeera and BBC.