On Saturday, Barcelona and Real Madrid meet in a Copa del Rey final for the eighth time. These cup finals have been rare but deeply symbolic for two clubs whose rivalry defines Spanish football. Each one has carried the emotional weight of eras, shifting power, and unforgettable moments. Here is a look at how these giants collided in the Copa del Rey final with silverware on the line.
1936 – The First Clásico Final
The Copa del Rey final in Valencia was played just before the Spanish Civil War. Madrid CF—Real had been dropped during the republic—went up 2-0 early through Hilario and Lecue. Barcelona struck back with Escolá, but Zamora’s legendary saves preserved a 2–1 win for Madrid. It was the rivalry’s first cup final chapter, laced with political tension and soon-to-be national upheaval.
1968 – Barcelona Win the “Final of the Bottles”
After a 32-year wait, the sides met at the Santiago Bernabéu. Barcelona scored early through a Zunzunegui own goal and held on for a 1-0 win. The match’s chaos—Real fans hurling bottles onto the pitch—led to a nationwide ban on glass containers in stadiums. A narrow Barça win in the capital, and a flare-up of hostilities that would leave its mark.
1974 – Real’s Ruthless Response
Barcelona had humiliated Madrid 5-0 in La Liga that year. But in the final, it was all Real. Santillana struck early and was joined on the scoresheet by Rubiñán, Aguilar, and Pirri in a shocking 4-0 rout. It was not just revenge—it was Real Madrid’s reassertion of power at a time when Cruyff’s Barça were rewriting football in Spain.
1983 – Marcos Alonso’s Diving Header
Zaragoza played host to a dramatic final. Maradona and Schuster starred for Barça, Santillana for Real. It was 1–1 until the final minute, when Julio Alberto crossed for Marcos Alonso to head in a stunning 90th-minute winner. Barcelona celebrated wildly. For Real Madrid, it was the latest heartbreak in a season where they would finish runners-up in five competitions.
1990 – Dream Team’s Birth
Johan Cruyff’s Barcelona was taking shape, while Real Madrid still clung to their Quinta del Buitre core. A red card to Fernando Hierro tipped the final in Barça’s favor. Guillermo Amor and Julio Salinas scored in a 2-0 win in Valencia. It marked the end of one dynasty and the quiet beginning of another. The Cruyff era had arrived.
2011 – Ronaldo’s Rise
The modern era’s most tactical Clásico played out at the Mestalla. Guardiola’s Barça dominated possession, but it was Mourinho’s Real who struck—Cristiano Ronaldo heading in an extra-time winner from a Di María cross. Real Madrid lifted the Copa for the first time since 1993. It was also Mourinho’s first trophy at the club, and a rare loss for Pep in a final.
2014 – Bale’s Run into Legend
No Ronaldo? No problem. Gareth Bale‘s 85th-minute solo goal—sprinting half the pitch, even off it at one point, to beat Marc Bartra—remains one of the most iconic in cup final history. It sealed a 2-1 win for Real Madrid after goals from Di María and Bartra. The Welshman’s sprint became instant Clásico folklore, and Real captured their 19th Copa del Rey.
