El Clasico Copa del Rey may signal LaLiga winneer
Real Madrid and Barcelona are set for a tantalising Clasico clash in the Copa del Rey final this weekend, embarking the first such encounter in more than a decade.
The bitter rivals will pen another chapter in a storied Clasico saga at Seville's La Cartuja Stadium, in what will be the 260th meeting between the two sides.
This will be only the eighth time they have locked horns in the Copa del Rey final, though, with a balanced historical record.
Madrid edges the tally, having claimed victory in four of the seven finals, including memorable wins in 2011 and 2014 that still resonate with football enthusiasts because of its intensity and unforgettable goals.
In 2011, under Jose Mourinho, Madrid claimed the Copa del Rey trophy after an 18-year drought, winning 1-0 against Pep Guardiola's Barcelona in extra-time courtesy of a stunning header by Cristiano Ronaldo.
Three years later, the Spanish giants met again in the final at Valencia.
The match is etched in football history because of a spectacular solo goal by Gareth Bale, a 50-metre dash down the left touchline that secured Carlo Ancelotti's Real a 2-1 victory after Angel Di Maria's opener.
Madrid also won in 1936 and 1975, while Barcelona claimed the trophy in 1968, 1983 and 1990.
Barca already has two victories over Madrid this season, winning 4-0 at Santiago Bernabeu in LaLiga in October and 5-2 in the Supercopa de Espana final in Saudi Arabia in January.
The Blaugrana will be aiming to increase their record haul of 31 Copa del Rey titles. Athletic Club follows with 24, while Madrid lags behind in third with 20.
This clash will also serve as a dress rehearsal for a potentially crucial Clasico on 12 May (AEST).
As it stands, Los Blancos trail Barca by four points in LaLiga, meaning next month's meeting could be key in deciding the title.
