Real Madrid and Barcelona contest one of the most recognisable and highly anticipated derbies in football.

El Clasico separates the strong from the weak, allows superstars to shine and provides bragging rights that fans hold dear to their hearts.

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The 21st century in particular isn’t short of memorable matches, with one clash in 2011 witnessing history amongst the ongoing feud.

Mestalla Stadium, the home of LaLiga rivals Valencia, hosted the Copa del Rey final between Spain’s two leading clubs.

Madrid beat Murcia, Levante, city rivals Atletico Madrid and holders Sevilla in their tournament run by an aggregate score of 20-4.

Their opponents Barcelona knocked out Ceuta, Athletic Bilbao, Real Betis and Almeria, scoring 22 goals and conceding just five.

Both teams arrived in Valencia just four days after a 1-1 LaLiga draw, and with star-studded squads that featured footballing icons.

In the Madrid corner was Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Xabi Alonso and Cristiano Ronaldo, with Jose Mourinho the manager in charge.

The Pep Guardiola-led Barcelona boasted Gerard Pique, Xavi, Iniesta and Lionel Messi in their travelling side.

All that was left to crown the 2010/11 Copa del Rey champions was a single match of football, one where the referee was kept on his toes.

Alberto Undiano Mallenco issued his first yellow card on 26 minutes when Madrid defender Pepe fouled the counter-attacking Pedro.

The Barcelona winger was booked himself before half-time after he clattered into Ricardo Carvalho whilst challenging for an aerial ball.

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AFP

Almost an hour had passed and Alonso saw yellow for bringing down Messi, who went into the book for blocking a quick free-kick.

Madrid substitute Emmanuel Adebayor was next for hitting the back of Javier Mascherano’s head.

Angel Di Maria received the sixth and final yellow within 90 minutes for handball, but the 0-0 scoreline meant extra-time was needed.

And with moments remaining in the first period, it was Ronaldo who finally broke the deadlock.

The forward leapt into the air to score with a thumping header from Di Maria’s cross in front of the Barcelona end of the stadium.

Ronaldo’s goal, one of an incredible 53 he scored that season, was all it took for Madrid to put one hand on the trophy.

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But there was one last moment of drama before the final whistle as Di Maria was sent off for his second yellow card.

The Argentine swiped down his compatriot Messi at the beginning of stoppage-time to leave his side with a one-man disadvantage.

Madrid held on though to win their first Copa del Rey title in 18 years, and 18th overall in the competition.

Only a week passed before the El Clasico returned once again, this time in the Champions League semi-finals.

Barcelona were 3-1 winners on aggregate over the two legs and went on to beat Manchester United in the final by the same scoreline.

Madrid won a 19th Copa del Rey against Barca three years later and could make it a hat-trick over their rivals on Saturday.

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They reached the final following a dramatic 5-4 aggregate win over Real Sociedad in which the second leg ended 4-4.

Barcelona were also 5-4 winners in their tie against Atletico to book their spot in the showdown match at Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville.

Hansi Flick’s side will likely be the favourites to win having won 22 of their last 27 matches across all competitions in 2025, losing just once.

Madrid have lost three of their last six and Saturday’s match could be the last of Carlo Ancelotti’s tenure as he’s expected to leave the club.