The stage is set for one of the most anticipated El Clasico encounters in recent years. Beyond Barcelona’s form and talent, one key factor should make Real Madrid—and Carlo Ancelotti—particularly nervous. The Blaugrana possess a secret weapon that could tilt the final in their favor.
The stage is set for one of the most anticipated El Clasico encounters in recent years. On April 26, Barcelona and Real Madrid will battle for the Copa del Rey title in Seville, a showdown that could define their seasons.
For Hansi Flick, this derby represents an opportunity to further stamp his authority in Spain. Since taking over at Barcelona, the German coach has orchestrated an impressive turnaround, winning the Spanish Super Cup and guiding his team to an 18-game unbeaten run in 2025. With La Liga leadership, UEFA Champions League contention, and a shot at the Copa del Rey, a treble remains within reach.
Yet, beyond the Blaugrana’s form and talent, one key factor should make Real Madrid—and Carlo Ancelotti—particularly nervous. The Blaugrana possess a secret weapon that could tilt the final in their favor.
The Copa del Rey final will be the third Clasico of the season, with the Catalans holding the edge over their bitter rivals. Flick’s men won 4-0 in La Liga in October and dismantled Real Madrid 5-2 in January’s Spanish Super Cup final.
Despite their dominance in those clashes, Barcelona cannot afford complacency. The reigning Spanish champions, fresh off a Champions League quarter-finals showdown with Manchester City, have the experience and depth to rise to the occasion. With Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and an in-form Rodrygo, Los Blancos will be desperate to deny their arch-rivals another piece of silverware. However, Barca has one trump card that Madrid cannot ignore—their manager’s extraordinary record in cup finals.
Huge challenge ahead of Madrid: Hansi Flick’s impeccable finals record
If there is one manager Real Madrid should fear in a one-off final, it is Hansi Flick. The German tactician boasts a flawless record in major cup finals, winning six out of six in his career.
His most recent triumph? Barcelona’s emphatic 5-2 victory over Madrid in the 2025 Supercopa de España final, a statement win that sent a clear warning to their rivals. But this dominance in finals is nothing new.
Flick’s reputation as a big-game specialist was forged during his historic tenure at Bayern Munich, where he guided the German giants to an unprecedented sextuple in 2020. His final victories with the German giant include:
- DFB-Pokal 2020 – A 4-2 triumph over Bayer Leverkusen, showcasing Bayern’s attacking firepower.
- Champions League 2020 – A hard-fought 1-0 win against Paris Saint-Germain, sealed by a Kingsley Coman header.
- UEFA Super Cup 2020 – A tense 2-1 extra-time victory over Sevilla.
- German Super Cup 2020 – A thrilling 3-2 win over Borussia Dortmund.
- Club World Cup 2021 – A narrow 1-0 success against Tigres UANL, completing Bayern’s global domination.
While it wasn’t technically a final, the 60-year-old led the Bavarians to the Bundesliga crown in 2019-20, capping off one of the most dominating seasons in club history. His admirers are waiting to see whether he can repeat his success in Spain.
