Barcelona clinched a dramatic 3-2 victory over Real Madrid in the 2025 Copa del Rey final at Seville’s Estadio de La Cartuja on Saturday, April 26, 2025, with Jules Kounde’s long-range strike in extra time sealing their record-extending 32nd title. The thrilling El Clasico, marked by intense rivalry and controversial officiating, saw Barcelona overcome a second-half comeback to keep their treble hopes alive under coach Hansi Flick.
The match ignited in the 28th minute when 17-year-old Lamine Yamal outmaneuvered Real Madrid’s defense, rolling the ball to Pedri, who struck a sublime one-touch shot into the top-left corner past Thibaut Courtois. Barcelona dominated the first half, suffocating Madrid with 63% possession and six shots on target to Madrid’s two, as noted by AS USA. Real Madrid’s early setback was compounded when Ferland Mendy limped off in the 12th minute after colliding with Kounde, forcing Fran Garcia’s substitution.
Real Madrid, trailing at halftime, roared back after Carlo Ancelotti introduced Kylian Mbappe, who had been benched due to fitness concerns. Mbappe leveled the score in the 70th minute with a pinpoint free-kick—his first career direct free-kick goal—after being fouled by Frenkie de Jong, who earned a yellow card. Seven minutes later, Aurelien Tchouameni headed in a corner from Arda Guler, giving Madrid a 2-1 lead and sparking hopes of a remontada. However, Barcelona equalized in the 84th minute when Yamal’s lofted pass found Ferran Torres, who rounded a stranded Courtois to slot into an empty net, forcing extra time.
As penalties loomed, Kounde emerged as the unlikely hero in the 116th minute. Capitalizing on a misplaced pass from Luka Modric to Brahim Diaz, the French defender intercepted the ball 25 yards out and unleashed a low, arrowed strike into the bottom corner, sparking wild celebrations among Barcelona fans. “It’s the most important goal of my career, without a doubt. We showed what a team we are,” Kounde told reporters post-match. The goal, his fourth of the season, underscored his defensive solidity, having made five clearances and six interceptions, per Sportskeeda.
The match was not without controversy. A late penalty awarded to Barcelona for Raul Asencio’s challenge on Raphinha was overturned after a VAR review, with referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea booking Raphinha for simulation, a decision that fueled Madrid’s frustration. Post-match, Antonio Rudiger and Lucas Vazquez were sent off from the bench for throwing objects at the referee, while Jude Bellingham received a red card for confronting officials, as reported by The Guardian. The officiating tension was heightened by Real Madrid’s pre-match boycott of activities, protesting the Spanish FA’s refereeing, following their TV channel’s critical video about De Burgos Bengoetxea.
Barcelona’s victory, their first Copa del Rey title since 2021, marked their third win over Real Madrid this season, following a 4-0 La Liga rout and a 5-2 Spanish Super Cup final triumph. Despite missing Robert Lewandowski, Alejandro Balde, and Marc Casado, Barcelona’s resilience shone through, with Flick becoming the first German coach to win the Copa del Rey. “It was the most physically demanding game I’ve played in my life, but we’re a great team who never gives up,” Torres told TVE.
Real Madrid’s loss, coupled with their Champions League exit to Arsenal, leaves La Liga as their only remaining title hope, trailing Barcelona by four points ahead of their May 11 clash. Ancelotti, whose future remains uncertain, lamented the “small details” like Modric’s errant pass, while praising Rudiger’s “spectacular effort” despite his red card. The match, attended by King Felipe VI, who presented the trophy to Ronald Araujo and Marc-Andre ter Stegen, underscored Barcelona’s dominance and set the stage for a potential treble, with a Champions League semifinal against Inter Milan looming.
X posts captured the euphoria, with @FCBarcelona tweeting, “LA COPA ES NUESTRA 🏆,” and @ManagingBarca quoting Kounde’s pride in his career-defining goal. The victory, a testament to Flick’s tactical acumen and Barcelona’s fighting spirit, cements their status as Spain’s most successful Copa del Rey side, while Real Madrid face mounting pressure to salvage their season.
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