In an electrifying showdown that lived up to the hype of El Clasico, Barcelona edged out Real Madrid 3-2 in extra time to lift the Copa del Rey title in a dramatic night in Seville.
Jules Kounde delivered the decisive blow during extra time, sealing a historic 32nd Copa del Rey crown for Barcelona — and marking the first major trophy under new manager Hansi Flick. With this victory, Barcelona now keeps their ambitious quadruple hopes alive this season, sending a strong warning to rivals across Europe.
The night began with Pedri lighting up the Estadio de La Cartuja with a brilliant long-range strike, giving Barcelona an early advantage. However, Real Madrid, refusing to back down, clawed their way back into the game with quickfire goals from Kylian Mbappe and Aurelien Tchouameni. The momentum swung fiercely as Ferran Torres leveled the score, forcing the fierce contest into extra time.
Barcelona’s youth and energy dominated the possession battle, with a standout performance from a 17-year-old Spanish prodigy, who grabbed attention not just for his blonde-dyed hair but for his fearless display against Madrid’s seasoned stars. Despite Real Madrid’s physical approach — including a controversial missed penalty call on Vinicius Junior — Barcelona maintained composure.
The referee, Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, drew headlines for his lenient officiating amid rising tensions, especially after pre-match criticisms over media remarks targeting violence against officials.
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Real Madrid’s desperation became clear with halftime changes, including the introduction of superstar Kylian Mbappe, who eventually found the net in the 70th minute after a deflected free kick. Tchouameni’s goal from a corner soon followed, putting Madrid briefly ahead before Torres answered back with a clinical finish after a clever assist from 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal.
Late drama ensued when Real Madrid appealed furiously for a penalty, only for VAR to review and show a yellow card for simulation, adding more controversy to an already heated match.
In the decisive moments of extra time, Kounde seized upon a costly error from Luka Modric to fire home the winning goal, sending Barcelona fans into a frenzy. Real Madrid’s night turned worse when Antonio Rudiger received a late red card, and Ferland Mendy left the pitch injured, further compounding Carlo Ancelotti’s woes.
As tensions boiled over post-match, both sides now look ahead to their next El Clasico encounter in May’s LaLiga clash, where pride and potentially the title could be on the line.
Barcelona’s dramatic triumph not only strengthens their legacy but also reignites the fierce rivalry, promising even more fireworks as the season reaches its thrilling climax.
