In a thrilling Copa del Rey final that showcased the intensity of El Clásico, Barcelona emerged victorious over Real Madrid with a 3-2 win in extra time on Saturday, April 26, 2025. The match, played at Estadio de La Cartuja, was marked by drama, controversy, and a stunning late goal that sealed the fate of Los Blancos.
Real Madrid’s season has been riddled with challenges, and this defeat adds another chapter to their struggles. The team, still reeling from their elimination from the Champions League and trailing in La Liga, faced their arch-rivals Barcelona in a match that many viewed as a chance to salvage their season. However, it was not to be, as a costly mistake by Brahim Diaz in extra time proved decisive.
The first half was largely dominated by Barcelona, who took the lead through a brilliant strike from Pedri. The young midfielder found space outside the box and unleashed a powerful shot that found the top corner, giving his team a 1-0 advantage. Barcelona's Lamine Yamal was instrumental in the buildup, showcasing his skill and vision. The Blaugrana could have extended their lead further, with Yamal himself missing a chance and Dani Olmo hitting the post.
Real Madrid struggled to find their rhythm early on, and their woes were compounded by a disallowed goal and a penalty that was called back for offside. However, the tide began to turn when Kylian Mbappe was introduced at halftime. His presence injected fresh energy into the Madrid side, and they started to create more opportunities.
With just 20 minutes remaining, Mbappe delivered a moment of magic, curling a free kick in off the post to level the score at 1-1. The equalizer ignited the Madrid fans and gave the players a much-needed boost. Shortly after, Aurelien Tchouameni capitalized on a corner, heading home to give Madrid a 2-1 lead, sending the Madrid supporters into a frenzy.
Yet, Barcelona responded with resilience. Lamine Yamal again played a crucial role, assisting Ferran Torres, who rounded the keeper to equalize at 2-2. The match was set for a tense finish, with both teams pushing for a winner. In the dying moments of regulation, Barcelona was awarded a penalty that was later overturned, adding to the drama of the match.
As the match moved into extra time, both teams appeared fatigued, but the intensity remained high. Real Madrid lacked the cutting edge without Vinicius Jr., who was sidelined with injury, while Barcelona struggled to maintain their earlier momentum. The first half of extra time saw a few chances, but nothing that would trouble the keepers.
Then came the pivotal moment in the 116th minute. After a loose pass from Luka Modric intended for Brahim Diaz, Jules Kounde intercepted and struck a powerful shot from 20 yards out, beating Thibaut Courtois to give Barcelona a 3-2 lead. The goal sent the Barcelona fans into raptures and left the Madrid bench in disbelief.
In the aftermath of the goal, chaos ensued on the Madrid bench. Frustration boiled over as players, including Antonio Rudiger, were seen throwing objects at the referee, a move that highlighted the mounting tensions throughout the match. The referee, Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, had already faced scrutiny for his decisions, and this incident only added to the controversy surrounding the match.
As the final whistle blew, Barcelona celebrated their victory, while Real Madrid faced the harsh reality of another disappointing season. The defeat in the Copa del Rey final is a bitter pill to swallow for a club with such high expectations. Manager Carlo Ancelotti will need to regroup his players and address the issues that have plagued them throughout the season.
This match not only marked a significant moment in the rivalry between these two giants of Spanish football but also raised questions about the future of Real Madrid. With their season hanging in the balance, fans will be eager to see how the club responds to this latest setback.
In the end, Barcelona's triumph in the Copa del Rey final serves as a reminder of their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. As they chase a potential treble this season, the victory over their rivals will undoubtedly serve as a confidence booster moving forward.
With the Copa del Rey now in their grasp, Barcelona will look to build on this success as they continue their campaign in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. Meanwhile, Real Madrid must reflect on their shortcomings and find a way to bounce back from this disappointment.
