Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Tips, Odds, and Match Preview

FC Barcelona will aim to take the first step toward winning the treble in the 2024-25 season when they take on Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final. Los Blaugranas have been nearly unstoppable in recent weeks and enter this game in a good run of momentum, although the previous form doesn’t matter much when facing the arch-rivals.

That should probably boost Real Madrid’s morale, as Los Blancos have been struggling to get good results lately and were eliminated by Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. As things stand now, winning the Copa del Rey might be the most realistic chance for Carlo Ancelotti’s men to win some kind of silverware in 2024-25.

Barcelona to Celebrate Again in Front of Los Merengues?

Barcelona already know what it’s like to celebrate a trophy in front of the Real Madrid faithful this season since they defeated them in the Spanish Super Cup final by an impressive 5-2 result. Los Blaugranas have been downright dominant under the tutelage of Hansi Flick, and even though they lost the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals tie against Dortmund, they’ve won eight of their last 10 matches in all competitions (D1, L1).

These matches have been packed with emotions on both ends of the pitch, as seven of those 10 outings have either ended with both teams scoring or have featured over 2.5 total goals. Don’t be surprised if that outcome happens again, as that has also been the case in their last seven competitive H2H matches.

FC Barcelona Injury & Suspension News

Barcelona will be missing a key player in Robert Lewandowski due to a hamstring injury. He’s not the only absentee, though. Alejandro Balde (hamstring), Marc Bernal (knee), Marc Casado (knee) and Marc-Andre ter Stegen (knee) are also sidelined for this matchup.

Can Real Madrid Pull the Upset Without Mbappe?

FC Barcelona will be without Lewandowski, but Real Madrid will be without Kylian Mbappe, who will miss this matchup due to an ankle injury. Losing the Frenchman is a huge blow for Los Merengues, but Real Madrid are showing signs of recovery even if their play hasn’t been the best. They enter this game on the heels of back-to-back wins over Athletic Club and Getafe.

Real Madrid’s recent record against Barcelona hasn’t been positive. They lost the two competitive matches against them in 2024/25, but they won the three times they met in 2023/24. Knowing that this is Real Madrid’s most realistic chance of winning a title this season, expect Los Merengues to have a bigger sense of urgency than their rivals.

Real Madrid Injury & Suspension News

Real Madrid will be without Mbappe, and the long-term absentees Dani Carvajal (knee) and Eder Militao (knee) are also out. Ferland Mendy (hamstring) won’t be ready, while Eduardo Camavinga (groin) and David Alaba (strain) are questionable.

FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid Prediction

Matches between Barcelona and Real Madrid have been absolute goal fests in recent years, and that trend shouldn’t change here, especially with another piece of silverware at stake. Expect both teams to score and over 2.5 total goals in this contest.

CryptoGamba tip: Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals – 1.63 @Jackbit