- Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 3-2 in extra time to win the Copa del Rey final.
- The match took place on Saturday in Seville.
- Jules Kounde scored the winning goal for Barcelona in the 116th minute.
- Pedri and Ferran Torres also scored for Barcelona, while Kylian Mbappe and Aurelien Tchouameni scored for Real Madrid.
- This is Barcelona’s 32nd Spanish Cup title and the second trophy under coach Hansi Flick.
Barcelona has won the Copa del Rey, defeating rivals Real Madrid 3-2 in a dramatic final that was decided in extra time. The highly anticipated ‘Clasico’ match was played on Saturday at La Cartuja stadium in Seville. This victory marks Barcelona’s record-extending 32nd Spanish Cup title and the second major trophy secured by the club under the management of Hansi Flick in his first season.
First Half Action and Opening Goal
The match saw Real Madrid face an early challenge when defender Ferland Mendy was forced off due to injury in the ninth minute. Barcelona took control and opened the scoring in the 28th minute. Pedri found the net with a goal assisted by Lamine Yamal. Barcelona largely controlled possession throughout the first half, heading into the break with a 1-0 lead. (Source: Match Report via BeSoccer)
Second Half Turnaround and Equalizer
Real Madrid introduced Kylian Mbappe, who had started on the bench due to an ankle issue, at halftime. Mbappe quickly made an impact, scoring from a free-kick in the 70th minute to level the score at 1-1. Just seven minutes later, Aurelien Tchouameni gave Real Madrid the lead with a header from an Arda Guler corner. However, Barcelona responded in the 84th minute as Ferran Torres scored the equalizer, once again assisted by Lamine Yamal, making it 2-2. Controversy arose in stoppage time when a penalty awarded to Barcelona was overturned by VAR after review, and Raphinha received a yellow card for diving. The score remained tied at 2-2 at the end of regular time, sending the match into extra time. (Source: Match Report via BeSoccer)
Extra Time Winner and Match Conclusion
In the additional period, Barcelona found the decisive goal in the 116th minute. Defender Jules Kounde intercepted a loose pass from Real Madrid and struck a powerful low shot from outside the box that beat Thibaut Courtois, putting Barcelona ahead 3-2. In the final moments of extra time, Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger was shown a red card. (Source: Match Report via BeSoccer)
Outcome and Significance
Barcelona’s triumph secures their 32nd Copa del Rey trophy, extending their record in the competition. It is also the second major piece of silverware won by Barcelona this season under coach Hansi Flick, adding to their Spanish Super Cup title. The final was characterized by its back-and-forth nature and moments of intense drama. (Source: Match Report via BeSoccer)
Context and Future Meeting
This ‘Clasico’ final was the third encounter between the two Spanish giants this season, with Barcelona having won the previous two matches in La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup. The rivals are set to meet again in La Liga in May in a match that could potentially have implications for the league title race. (Source: Match Report via BeSoccer)