Key Competition Facts

  • Copa del Rey meetings include both two-legged semi-final ties and direct single-match finals played at neutral venues across Spain.
  • Barcelona is the most decorated club in Copa del Rey history (31 titles), while Real Madrid has lifted the trophy 20 times.
  • Cup Clásicos are famous for dramatic extra-time finishes, including the 2011 final at the Mestalla decided by Cristiano Ronaldo and the 2014 final featuring Gareth Bale's 60-metre solo sprint.
  • All official cup meetings count towards the all-time head-to-head record (37 official matches contested).

Historical Background & Key Tournaments

The very first official meeting between the clubs occurred in the forerunner to the Copa del Rey, the Copa de la Coronación, in May 1902 (a 3–1 Barcelona win). Over the decades, cup ties have ignited intense national attention, notably the 1968 'Bottle Final' at the Bernabéu, Barcelona's 1990 final victory that saved Johan Cruyff's job, and the iconic 2011 final at Valencia's Mestalla stadium during the peak of the Mourinho-Guardiola tension.

Head-to-head in Copa del Rey (Official Ledger)

38
Meetings
17
Barça wins
13
Madrid wins
8
Draws

From the competition-split ledger that sums to the site-wide 264 / 106–106–52 total. Full table on head-to-head.

Frequently Asked Questions: Copa del Rey Clásicos

How many Copa del Rey finals have Barcelona and Real Madrid played against each other?

Barcelona and Real Madrid have met in 7 Copa del Rey finals. Real Madrid has won 4 (1936, 1974, 2011, 2014), while Barcelona has won 3 (1968, 1983, 1990).

Who has won more Copa del Rey titles overall?

Barcelona holds the all-time record with 31 Copa del Rey titles, compared to Real Madrid's 20 titles.

Related Clásico pages