As in previous years, the Blaugrana were keen to turn out at their rivals' home in the cup showpiece. But as usual, Real had other plans...
First it was toilet renovations, then it was Bruce Springsteen, now more reforms... Barcelona have reached the Copa del Rey final on a number of occasions in recent seasons and always wanted to play at the Santiago Bernabeu. But Real Madrid have halted those plans every time.
Barca beat Atletico Madrid 3-2 on aggregate earlier this week to reach yet another showpiece in the cup competition, for the third season running under Luis Enrique, and this time the Catalans will play against Alaves after the Basques edged out Celta Vigo 1-0 over two legs.