It did not take lengthy for 2025 to carry us its first El Clasico. The Spanish Tremendous Cup closing will function Barcelona and Actual Madrid., the third consecutive time that the ultimate has featured these groups, with every buying and selling victories in 2023 and 2024. Because the closing has moved to a 4 workforce format in 2020, it has been gained by Barcelona or Actual Madird and for the final three editions, the workforce to win the ultimate has additionally gone on to carry the La Liga title on the finish of the season.

Whereas it is a small pattern measurement, it additionally goes to indicate that this match is something however a regular exibishion. A Clasico at all times has stakes to those groups, even when it is simply to get a psychological edge, however with silverware on the road, it’ll at all times imply extra. 

Final assembly

These could also be totally different groups than the final time that they met in October, however Barcelona will hope for the same outcome. Hansi Flick’s males established themselves as true La Liga title contenders by successful that match by a formidable 4-0 rating. Robert Lewandowski scored a brace and extra importantly, Barcelona had been capable of preserve a clear sheet in opposition to a prime workforce. The match uncovered a number of the flaws in Carlo Ancelotti’s aspect which have now been shored up as Actual Madrid is atop La Liga. It was a match that was nearer than the rating urged and it is a likelihood to indicate their development.

How they bought right here

In Saudi Arabia each groups have gained their semifinal matches with shutout victories, however in fairly other ways. Dealing with Athletic Membership, Barcelona bought out to a lead shortly by way of Gavi earlier than controlling the sport from begin to end. Lamine Yamal added the insurance coverage purpose to turn out to be the second youngest participant to ever rating within the competitors behind solely himself scoring in opposition to Osasuna final 12 months. There is a scarcity of phrases to explain what Yamal is doing at solely 17, however he’ll be a key determine within the closing.

For Madrid, that they had a gradual begin in opposition to Mallorca however as soon as Jude Bellingham opened the scoring within the 63rd minute, the floodgates opened. Los Blancos pressured an personal purpose and had Rodrygo rating each in stoppage time to have a outcome that was extra of a mirrored image of their dominance throughout the match. They’re going to now look to hold that momentum into the ultimate.

Clasico historical past

This match would be the 259th time that these two groups have met in an official competitors in what has been a closet contested rivalry. Barcelona has 101 wins whereas Actual Madrid has 105 and the duo have drawn one other 52 matches. Even in terms of targets, the stats are shut with Barcelona scoring 423 and Actual Madrid scoring 433. Within the Spanish Tremendous Cup particularly, this would be the 18th assembly however Actual Madrid has had the benefit on this competitors successful 10 matches, drawing two, and shedding 5 to Barcelona. Barcelona is probably the most profitable workforce in Tremendous Cup historical past successful it 14 instances however Actual Madrid can degree issues with a victory so as to add to their 13 titles within the competitors.  

Registration gate

Throughout this event, Barcelona has been coping with a now-resolved difficulty in regards to the registration of Dani Olmo and Pau Victor. Each gamers had been registered for the seaon on account of a provision permitting Barcelona to make use of 80% of the wage on account of an injured participant. The difficulty is that the registration solely lasted till December 31 to offer Barcelona time to both safe new income streams or discover different methods to adjust to monetary rules. Whereas Barcelona did full a deal to promote luxurious seating on the Spotify Camp Nou, the Monitoring Committee of the RFEF-La Liga Coordination Settlement deemed that the duo nonetheless could not be registered as a result of Barcelona could not present that that they had obtained funds from that deal in time. This has now been resolved within the courts to register each for La Liga play, however that does not imply that Barcelona is out of the woods but.

Star attacker Raphinha spoke about how this might impression offers for future gamers and whereas that fallout stays to be seen, it’s fairly a problem that Barcelona could not assure a participant’s registration for a complete season while not having to launch a number of appeals. When points like this have been cropping up since COVID, there is not any telling when Barcelona’s funds can be so as.

Can Mbappe be the man?

After signing Kylian Mbappe, Actual Madrid had been anticipated to dominate world soccer and whereas they’re nonetheless managing nicely, this is not fairly the runaway that was anticipated. A pure left winger, Mbappe has usually taken up areas which are occupied by Vinicius Junior for Los Blancos, resulting in a sputtering assault for Madrid. There have been moments the place he has proven that he can however they’ve been something however constant. With 13 targets and three assists in 26 appearances throughout all competitions, Mbappe has been far off his traditional scoring charge and he has additionally already missed two penalties this season. 

On the brilliant aspect, Mbappe would not must be precisely the identical man that he was at Paris Saint-Germain to ensure that Actual Madrid to win, however given their present setup, he does must embrace being the star quantity 9 and taking on central positions on the pitch. That adjustment has been occurring however it’ll take time to shed being a left winger from his DNA.

Prediction

It is a match that can be fascinating as a result of Barcelona’s offside lure has been efficient in defending, however when it breaks down they are often fairly weak. Mbappe can be a participant who enjoys enjoying off the again shoulder of a protection, so he is susceptible to being caught offside by a disciplined protection. However by doing that, Barcelona additionally open themselves as much as threats like Federico Valverde dropping the ball excessive or taking lengthy pictures to check them. If Actual Madrid can include Yamal from working the flanks of the conflict, there is definitely a path to victory but it surely’ll be a intently contested affair between the duo. Rating: Actual Madrid 3, Barcelona 2

Workers Picks

How you can watch and odds

• Date: Sunday, Jan. 12 | Time: 2 p.m. ET
• Location: King Abdullah Sports activities Metropolis — Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
• TV: ABC | Reside stream: Fubo TV (Attempt without cost)
• Odds: Actual Madrid +130; Draw +260; Barcelona +160