Barcelona and Real Madrid will face off today at 4:00 p.m. EDT in the Copa del Rey final match at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville, Spain.
Barcelona is favored at a +115 price, with the over/under set at 2.5 (-225u/+170u) goals.
Let's get into my Barcelona vs. Real Madrid prediction.
Barcelona vs. Real Madrid Odds, Prediction
| Barcelona Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1 +260 | 2.5 -225o / +170u | +115 |
| Real Madrid Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1 -150 | 2.5 -225o / +170u | +210 |
Barcelona vs. Real Madrid spread: Barcelona -1 (+260), Real Madrid +1 (-150)
Barcelona vs. Real Madrid over/under: 2.5 goals (-225o/+170u)
Barcelona vs. Real Madrid moneyline: Barcelona +115, Draw +300, Real Madrid +210
Barcelona vs. Real Madrid best bet: Barcelona Moneyline and Over 2.5 goals
Barcelona Prediction
Before this season, no one would have considered Barcelona a favorite. They had lost four straight matches against their arch-rivals, and the club's management was in disarray, struggling financially. The arrival of Hansi Flick changed everything. The German manager utilized the talent at his disposal, and Barcelona regained not only their pride and style but also their aggressiveness.
The Blaugrana beat Real Madrid 4-0 in LaLiga last October and won again 5-2 in the Supercopa final in January. Barcelona leads the league standings with a four-point difference over Los Blancos and will play in the Champions League semi-finals, while their rivals are already out of that competition.
So it's no wonder they are favorites now. Although it's never quite that simple with these teams, El Clásico can always surprise us. The last time they faced each other in a Copa del Rey final was 11 years ago, with Real Madrid emerging victorious 2-1 in extra time, thanks to a Gareth Bale goal on a fantastic run.
The biggest challenge for Barcelona will be replacing Robert Lewandowski up front and Alejandro Balde on the left side of defense. Ferran Torres—goalscoring co-leader of this tournament with five goals—will take the first spot, while Gerard Martin should be the starting left-back.
The team will look to Raphinha to lead them to victory. The Brazilian is enjoying a career season with 30 goals and 21 assists across all competitions, becoming the first Barcelona player to reach 50 contributions since Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Neymar all did it in the 2015/2016 campaign.
Real Madrid Prediction
Real Madrid has already lost the most precious title. So, after their Champions League farewell, they need to win something, and this is their best shot. Manager Carlo Ancelotti will certainly need it if he wants to keep his job.
Despite not being favorites, there is good news. The first one is that Kylian Mbappe is back after missing two matches, but he will need to regain his best form at the right time, having gone scoreless in his last five games.
Additionally, Thibaut Courtois has been a key factor in their recent narrow victories. The Belgian has only allowed 22 goals in LaLiga and will likely win the Zamora award for best goalkeeper this season. His efforts will be crucial in trying to stop a Barcelona offense that leads the league in goals scored (89) and shots per game (17.6).
After two resounding defeats this season, they catch a weakened Barcelona, missing key players and already exhausted by the grueling schedule. A Real Madrid win would also increase tension for their next match on May 11, which may decide the league title.
Unlike Flick, Ancelotti does not have to plan for a midweek Champions League semi-final and will use everything at his disposal today.
Barcelona vs. Real Madrid Pick
Barcelona holds the record for most Copa del Rey titles (31) and most finals played (43), while Real Madrid has featured in 40 finals but won only half of them. However, the past will not decide this match; only the teams' current form and maybe a bit of luck.
Flick's squad has been the better team so far and should be able to withstand the absences of Lewandowski and Balde. Both teams have scored in five of their last six matchups, averaging 4.8 goals per game.
Barcelona vs. Real Madrid Pick: Barcelona Moneyline and Over 2.5 goals
