FC Barcelona will play as the home team in the 2025 Copa del Rey final, facing Real Madrid in another classic encounter at the La Cartuja stadium in Seville. While both clubs share one of the most intense rivalries in world football, the designation of the home team is based on an organizational criterion established by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and is not determined by a draw or sporting factors.

Why is Barcelona Playing as Home Team Against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey?

The Copa del Rey's organizational system dictates that the team with the longest history is considered the home team for the final, regardless of their performance in the tournament. In this case, FC Barcelona, founded in 1899, is the club with more years of history compared to Real Madrid, founded three years later in 1902. This rule does not give any competitive advantage on the field, as the match will be played at a neutral venue, La Cartuja, meaning both teams will have an equal number of tickets for their supporters and no home-field benefit.

Although the stadium is neutral, being the home team does have logistical implications. Barcelona, as the designated home team, will have the first choice of kit in case of a color clash, use the home team's dressing room, and occupy the first spot on the official match sheet. Additionally, other logistical aspects, such as press conference times and warm-up areas, will be influenced by this designation.

A Key Final for Spanish Football History

The 2025 Copa del Rey final, scheduled for Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 PM at La Cartuja, promises to be another memorable chapter in the historic rivalry between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. Both teams have had a tough road to reach this point in the tournament. Barcelona, after overcoming Valencia and Atlético de Madrid, will fight to add another title to its illustrious collection, while Real Madrid, which eliminated Leganés and Real Sociedad, seeks to lift the Copa to reaffirm its dominance in Spanish football.

While the home team designation does not directly affect the match's outcome, it does make a difference in organizational matters, giving this classic a special touch. Excitement is guaranteed, and fans of both teams eagerly await this new clash between the two giants of Spanish football.