Real Madrid are looking for redemption this Saturday when they face fierce rivals Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final at the Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville. For Kylian Mbappe, Carlo Ancelotti, and the Madrid faithful, victory would be the perfect remedy after a painful Champions League exit earlier this month.
Los Blancos crashed out of Europe’s top competition following a 5-1 aggregate loss to Arsenal, while Barcelona powered their way into the semi-finals. As if that wasn’t painful enough, Barca are chasing a historic quadruple, leading La Liga by four points over second-placed Madrid with just five matches left.
Stopping Barcelona’s dreams — and lifting the Copa del Rey trophy themselves — has become a vital mission for Ancelotti’s side. For Mbappe, it’s a chance to claim his first major trophy with Los Blancos and quiet the growing whispers of discontent among fans.
A Stinging Season for Mbappe and Madrid
Despite scoring 33 goals across all competitions this season, Kylian Mbappe has become a symbol of Madrid’s struggles in 2025. Some fans even whistled at him during their last game at the Santiago Bernabeu — a harsh but familiar rite of passage for superstars at Real Madrid. Even club legends like Cristiano Ronaldo faced similar treatment in their early days.
Mbappe arrived in Madrid last summer amid massive expectations, but the team has struggled to find balance with so much attacking firepower. Combining Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo has proven difficult for Ancelotti, who admitted this week:
“We’ve changed our style of play a bit, we have players with different characteristics, and it’s been hard for us to find a balance. If we find that balance, we can win.”
The Copa del Rey final offers a chance for Madrid to prove they can.
Searching for the Right Formula
Ancelotti’s tactical choices will be under the spotlight. After being humbled 4-0 at home by Barcelona in La Liga and suffering a 5-2 defeat in the Spanish Super Cup earlier this season, it’s clear Los Blancos must find a new approach.
There is speculation that Ancelotti may sacrifice one of his attacking stars — most likely Rodrygo — to reinforce the midfield. The retirement of Toni Kroos last summer and a string of defensive injuries have left Madrid vulnerable, especially against high-intensity teams like Barcelona.
Long-term injuries to key players like Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao have exposed Madrid’s defensive frailties. At the same time, the lack of a traditional target man, like former striker Joselu, has hurt them up front, as goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois pointed out after the Arsenal defeat:
“We put in a lot of crosses but this year we don’t have a Joselu, a born centre-forward up there.”
Despite boasting some of the best attacking talent in the world, Los Blancos build-up play often lacks the final punch.
✅ Our squad for the Copa del Rey final!
@FCBarcelona pic.twitter.com/YsXhEk5ZKA— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) April 25, 2025
Mbappe’s Fitness Key to Final Hopes
Mbappe recently picked up an ankle injury, but Ancelotti confirmed on Tuesday that the French superstar is expected to be fit for the final. He returned to full training on Thursday, and while there’s a temptation to save him as an impact substitute, his track record against Barcelona suggests he must start.
Back in January, it was Mbappe who struck twice in Madrid’s 5-2 Super Cup defeat — despite the heavy loss — and he remains Madrid’s most lethal threat in front of goal. Holding him back would be a major risk.
If Ancelotti can find the right balance — perhaps by bolstering the midfield and giving Mbappe and Vinicius the freedom to break — Madrid have every chance of upsetting Barcelona’s dreams.
Ancelotti’s Future Hanging in the Balance
There’s more at stake than just a trophy. This could be one of Carlo Ancelotti’s final games in charge of Real Madrid. Despite having one year left on his contract, it’s widely expected that the club will make a change this summer if results don’t improve.
Winning the Copa del Rey would be a fitting farewell if it comes to that. It would also serve as a reminder that, for all Madrid’s flaws this season, they still have the heart, the talent, and the fighting spirit that has made them one of the greatest clubs in football history.
Saturday’s Clasico final isn’t just about a cup — it’s about pride, redemption, and maybe, just maybe, salvaging a season that had threatened to spiral out of control.
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