Who Has More Copa del Rey, Real Madrid or Barcelona?

Introduction

When discussing Spanish football dominance, one of the most debated topics is: Who has more Copa del Rey, Real Madrid or Barcelona? This prestigious domestic cup competition has been a battleground for the two Spanish giants for over a century. While both clubs boast an impressive record in La Liga and European competitions, their rivalry in the Copa del Rey is equally fierce.

In this article, we will analyze their Copa del Rey history, comparing titles, performances, and key moments. If you’re looking for a well-researched answer to Who has more Copa del Rey, Real Madrid or Barcelona?, you’ve come to the right place.

A Brief History of the Copa del Rey

The Copa del Rey, or “King’s Cup,” is Spain’s oldest football competition, dating back to 1903. Originally, it was considered Spain’s national championship before La Liga was established in 1929. The tournament is a knockout competition where clubs from different Spanish football divisions compete for the coveted trophy.

Over the years, the Copa del Rey has seen thrilling encounters, shocking upsets, and memorable finals. Real Madrid and Barcelona have been the tournament’s most successful teams, cementing their dominance in Spanish football history.

Who Has More Copa del Rey, Real Madrid or Barcelona?

Copa del Rey Titles: Real Madrid vs. Barcelona

As of 2024, the official Copa del Rey title count between the two clubs is:

From the table above, it’s clear that Barcelona holds the record for the most Copa del Rey titles, surpassing Real Madrid by a significant margin.

Key Moments in the Copa del Rey Rivalry

Barcelona’s Dominance in the Competition

Barcelona has historically prioritized the Copa del Rey, often using it as a stepping stone for domestic doubles or trebles. Some of their most iconic moments in the competition include:

• 2015 Final vs. Athletic Club – Lionel Messi scored one of the greatest solo goals in Copa del Rey history.
• 2018 Final vs. Sevilla – A dominant 5-0 victory, showcasing peak Barcelona under Ernesto Valverde.
• 2021 Final vs. Athletic Club – The last Copa del Rey triumph, featuring a 4-0 masterclass led by Antoine Griezmann and Lionel Messi.

Real Madrid’s Recent Success

Despite having fewer Copa del Rey titles than Barcelona, Real Madrid has had memorable victories in the tournament. Some of their most notable moments include:

• 2011 Final vs. Barcelona – Cristiano Ronaldo’s legendary extra-time header secured Real Madrid’s first Copa del Rey title in 18 years.
• 2014 Final vs. Barcelona – Gareth Bale’s stunning solo goal saw Real Madrid defeat their arch-rivals at Mestalla.
• 2023 Final vs. Osasuna – A commanding performance earned them their 20th title.

Why Barcelona Has More Copa del Rey Titles than Real Madrid

1. A Historic Emphasis on the Competition

Barcelona has traditionally valued the Copa del Rey more than Real Madrid. While Madrid often prioritizes La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, Barcelona has frequently fielded strong teams in domestic cup competitions.

2. Success in the 20th Century

Many of Barcelona’s Copa del Rey triumphs came in the early to mid-20th century, when the competition held greater prestige before the rise of European club tournaments.

3. Dominance in the Modern Era

From 2009 to 2021, Barcelona won seven Copa del Rey titles, showcasing their ability to dominate the tournament in the modern era.

Real Madrid vs. Barcelona: Who Will Win More Copa del Rey Titles in the Future?

With Barcelona leading in total titles, the gap between the two clubs remains significant. However, Real Madrid has shown increased interest in the tournament in recent years. The rise of young talents like Vinícius Jr., Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo suggests Madrid could challenge for more domestic trophies in the coming years.

Barcelona, on the other hand, continues to develop its young core, featuring Pedri, Gavi, and Lamine Yamal. If they maintain their dominance in the Copa del Rey, it will be challenging for Real Madrid to close the gap.

FAQs

1. Who has won the most Copa del Rey titles in history?

Barcelona holds the record with 31 Copa del Rey titles, making them the most successful club in the tournament’s history.

2. How many times has Real Madrid won the Copa del Rey?

Real Madrid has won the Copa del Rey 20 times, with their most recent victory in 2023.

3. When did Barcelona last win the Copa del Rey?

Barcelona last won the Copa del Rey in 2021, defeating Athletic Club 4-0 in the final.

4. What is the biggest Copa del Rey final win between Real Madrid and Barcelona?

One of the most famous finals was the 2014 final, where Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 2-1, featuring Gareth Bale’s legendary solo goal.

5. Will Real Madrid ever surpass Barcelona in Copa del Rey titles?

While Real Madrid has the resources to win more trophies, closing the 11-title gap will take several decades unless they prioritize the tournament.

Conclusion

To answer the question Who has more Copa del Rey, Real Madrid or Barcelona?, the clear winner is Barcelona, with 31 titles compared to Real Madrid’s 20. Their historic dominance, consistency in domestic cup competitions, and recent success have kept them ahead in the Copa del Rey battle.

However, Real Madrid’s recent victory in 2023 indicates they are not backing down. The Copa del Rey rivalry between these two clubs will continue to be one of the most exciting aspects of Spanish football.

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Quick Wiki Data Table: Who Has More Copa del Rey, Real Madrid or Barcelona?

With such a fierce rivalry, the battle for Copa del Rey supremacy will continue for years to come.