El-Classico Copa del Rey Final: De Jong Kounde and Torres are confident, but history favours Real Madrid

Barcelona FC trio of Frenkie de Jong, Jules Kounde and Ferran Torres are predicting a tough encounter against Real Madrid in the final of Copa del Rey, which they believe they will win, but history favours the capital club.

De Jong’s brilliance continues to be a key factor for Barcelona, as the Dutchman delivered yet another impressive performance to help his side overcome Atletico Madrid.

Looking ahead to the much-anticipated Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid, De Jong remained measured and focused.

“A Barça-Madrid match is always special. It’s always a game in which both teams can win, regardless of the situation the teams are in,” he admitted.

While Barcelona’s privileged position this season might tempt many to discuss potential trebles, the Dutchman remains grounded.

“We’re not close, there’s still a long way to go, and we’re not thinking about that. We’re thinking about winning matches to get titles, but I think there’s a lot of the season left, and we shouldn’t talk until we’ve won,” De Jong explained.

And Jules Kounde expressed a more ambitious outlook, making it clear that Barcelona remain determined to chase every available trophy.

The French defender embraced the possibility of a treble, highlighting the team’s resilience and quality.

“We’re in every competition. We’re in the Cup final. The road is still long. We have the team to do it, and by working as we have been, anything is possible.”

For Kounde, the allure of a Clasico final adds extra motivation. He knows how dangerous Real Madrid can be, particularly in high-stakes encounters.

“It motivates us because it’s a Clasico; it always has a special flavor. We know it’s a dangerous game, a great team, and I’m sure they’ll give it their all,” he remarked.

Barcelona’s journey this season has been marked by ups and downs, but the club’s aspirations remain firmly within reach. The Copa del Rey final promises to be another thrilling chapter in their pursuit of glory.

Ferran Torres, the lone scorer at the Metropolitano, was enough to make the difference for his side after the first leg had ended in a 4-4 draw.

When asked about whether the Barcelona players feel themselves to be the favourites for the big titles, the winger admitted that they do so internally:

“We do internally, yes, but that doesn’t mean we should relax. We have to keep believing and working with humility, and surely, things will come.”

Torres could not hide his excitement of winning against Atletico Madrid and at the prospect of playing the final against Real Madrid:

“Winning here already feels amazing, so just imagine achieving qualification for a final. And if a final is already highly motivating, then imagine it against your biggest rival.”

His goal had come after a pass from Lamine Yamal, and the former Manchester City forward explained his chemistry with the youngster on the pitch:

“I always tell him that I make the runs, and he just has to set me up to tap it in.”

Although Barcelona and Real Madrid have faced each other 38 times in the Copa del Rey throughout the competition’s history, this will only be their eighth meeting in a final.

When it comes to their head-to-head record in Copa del Rey finals, Real Madrid holds a slight advantage. The Los Blancos have emerged victorious in four of the previous seven final encounters against Barcelona.

What’s more impressive is that Real Madrid has come out on top in each of their last two Copa del Rey final meetings against the Blaugrana.

Real Madrid’s successful streak in these finals has cemented their status as formidable opponents when silverware is on the line.

Their ability to deliver in high-pressure scenarios has been a key factor in maintaining their edge over Barcelona in this particular competition