Barcelona vs Real Madrid LIVE SCORE: Copa del Rey final on NOW as Pedri scores SCREAMER
BARCELONA and Real Madrid are going head-to-head in the final of the Copa del Rey RIGHT NOW.
And Barca took the lead just before the half-hour mark through a wondergoal from Pedri.
Before the match, referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea broke down in tears during a press conference after being asked about a Real Madrid TV video attacking officials.
The video highlighted decisions that had gone against Real, which the club believe to have been incorrect.
Real were not happy to see De Burgos Bengoetxea put in charge of the final, branding the decision 'unacceptable' - and reports suggested that Los Blancos wanted the refereeing team changed for the huge clash this evening.
The Spanish giants cancelled media duties and the official training session after the interview, before rubbishing rumours that they would boycott the match.
TV/Stream: Premier Sports 1
Barcelona team: Szczesny; Kounde, Cubarsi, Inigo, Martin; Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Dani Olmo; Raphinha, Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal
Real Madrid team: Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rüdiger, Mendy; Tchouameni, Ceballos, Bellingham, Modric; Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr
Follow our live blog below...
48 minutes ago By Kieran Davies
Kick-off: Barcelona vs Real Madrid
We are underway at Estadio de La Cartuja.
It is a cauldron of noise as you would expect.
Barcelona get the match started.
52 minutes ago By Kieran Davies
Moments from the big clash
Both sides walk out to a packed house for this huge final.
It can act as a springboard for the remainder of the La Liga campaign.
The fans are already in party mood for the final.
59 minutes ago By Kieran Davies
Nothing hurts more than El Classico
Neither of these sides are happy to suffer defeats, their success dictates that it rarely happens.
Losing to your biggest rivals in this game is an even more bitter pill to swallow, one Madrid experienced in the Spanish Super Cup.
Ancelotti will not want that feeling again tonight and will be looking to get revenge for that loss earlier in the season.
Today, 20:40 By Kieran Davies
Real Madrid starting XI:
Carlo Ancelotti puts a very strong side out for this massive game for the Spanish giants:
1. Courtois, 17. Vasquez, 35. Asencio, 22. Rudiger, 23. Mendy, 14. Tchouameni, 8. Valverde, 19. Ceballos, 5. Bellingham, 11. Rodrygo, 7. Vinicius Junior
Today, 20:36 By Kieran Davies
Barcelona starting XI:
Hansi Flick has near enough his strongest side available although there are some noticable absentees like Lewandowski.
25. Szczesny, 23. Kounde, 2. Cubarsi, 5. Martinez, 35. Martin, 8. Pedri, 21. de Jong, 19. Yamal, 20. Olmo, 11. Raphinha, 7. Torres
Today, 20:29 By Kieran Davies
Welcome to Barcelona vs Real Madrid
It does not get much better than an El Classico on a Saturday evening as the Spanish giants lock horns in the Copa Del Ray final.
Barcelona are looking to win the competition for a 32nd time, while Real Madrid are hoping for 21st time getting their hands on the trophy.
Carlo Ancelotti's side come into this one with more pressure on their shoulders after their recent Champions League exit.
Hansi Flick has had an immense first season at the Catalan club and has the chance of winning four trophies.
They beat their rivals in the Spanish Cup 5-2 to get their hands on a first piece of silverware and are currently four points ahead of Real Madrid with five La Liga games remaining.
This is all set up for an absolute classic this evening.
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