In a thrilling Copa del Rey final held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, FC Barcelona edged out Real Madrid with a score of 3-2, marking a significant moment in Spanish football history. The match took place at the La Cartuja Stadium in Seville, kicking off at 3:00 p.m. local time, and it certainly lived up to the hype surrounding one of the fiercest rivalries in sports. With this victory, Barcelona not only claimed their 32nd Copa del Rey title but also took a step closer in their quest for a treble this season.
The match started with Barcelona asserting their dominance, showcasing their attacking prowess. Pedri opened the scoring in the 27th minute with a stunning shot from outside the box, assisted by the young talent Lamine Yamal, who dazzled throughout the match. Barcelona's early lead seemed to set the tone for the first half, where they controlled possession and created numerous chances, leaving Real Madrid struggling to find their rhythm.
However, Real Madrid responded with tactical adjustments in the second half. The introduction of Kylian Mbappé, who had started the match on the bench due to ongoing ankle issues, provided a much-needed spark for the Madrid side. His presence was felt almost immediately, as he scored a remarkable free kick in the 70th minute, leveling the match at 1-1. This goal marked a significant milestone for Mbappé, being his first-ever direct free kick goal in his professional career.
Just seven minutes later, Aurélien Tchouaméni capitalized on a corner kick, heading the ball into the net to give Real Madrid a 2-1 lead. It appeared that the Blancos were on the verge of claiming the trophy, having turned the tide in their favor after a lackluster first half.
But Barcelona was not ready to concede defeat. With less than ten minutes remaining in regular time, Ferran Torres, who was later named the MVP of the tournament, found the equalizer. Another brilliant assist from Lamine Yamal allowed Torres to slip past the defense and calmly finish into an empty net, bringing the score to 2-2.
As the match progressed into extra time, both teams displayed signs of fatigue, but the intensity remained high. Just when it seemed the match would head to penalties, Barcelona's Jules Koundé emerged as the hero. In the 116th minute, he struck a spectacular shot from outside the box, capitalizing on a defensive error from Real Madrid, sealing the victory for Barcelona and sending their fans into a frenzy.
Barcelona's triumph in this final not only adds to their rich history in the Copa del Rey but also reinforces their position at the top of La Liga, where they currently lead Real Madrid by four points. The team is also gearing up for the UEFA Champions League semi-finals against Inter Milan, with the first leg set for April 30, 2025.
On the other hand, Real Madrid, managed by Carlo Ancelotti, faces a challenging period ahead. The defeat leaves them without a major trophy this season, and questions arise about the future direction of the team, particularly given the age of some players and the need for a rebuild.
The match was not broadcast in Colombia due to a lack of agreement between international networks for transmission rights, which disappointed many fans eager to witness the clash. Despite this, live updates were available through various digital platforms, allowing fans to stay connected to the action as it unfolded.
Looking ahead, both teams will face each other again in less than two weeks, as another El Clásico is scheduled in Barcelona. With the stakes higher than ever, fans can expect another exhilarating encounter as both clubs continue their pursuit of glory in the domestic and European arenas.
In summary, Barcelona's victory in the Copa del Rey final adds another chapter to their storied rivalry with Real Madrid, showcasing the resilience and talent of their squad. As they aim for a treble this season, the excitement in Catalonia is palpable, while Madrid must regroup and rethink their strategy moving forward.
