The Copa del Rey 2025 final was a spectacle that will be remembered for years to come, as FC Barcelona triumphed over their arch-rivals Real Madrid with a thrilling 3-2 victory at the Estadio La Cartuja in Sevilla. This match marked the first time in eleven years that these two giants of Spanish football faced each other in this prestigious tournament's final, and it certainly lived up to the hype.
From the opening whistle, Barcelona took control of the match, establishing dominance with a higher possession rate and aggressive pressing that stifled many of Madrid's attacking attempts. Under the guidance of coach Hansi Flick, the Catalans looked to capitalize on their early momentum, and they did just that in the 28th minute. After a clever interception by Pau Cubarsí, Lamine Yamal received the ball and made a powerful run down the right flank. He then delivered a perfectly timed back pass to Pedri, who unleashed a stunning shot that found the back of the net. Suddenly, the scoreboard read 1-0 in favor of Barcelona, igniting jubilant celebrations among the thousands of Blaugrana fans present.
However, Real Madrid was far from finished. The second half saw a dramatic turnaround as Kylian Mbappé and Aurélien Tchouaméni scored in quick succession, turning the tide and putting Madrid ahead 2-1. Mbappé's equalizer came in the 70th minute from a well-placed free kick, while Tchouaméni capitalized on a corner to give Madrid the lead just seven minutes later. It seemed as though the momentum had firmly shifted in favor of the Merengues.
But Barcelona would not go down without a fight. In the 84th minute, Ferran Torres displayed remarkable composure as he skillfully maneuvered around Madrid's goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and slotted the ball into the net, leveling the score at 2-2. This goal sent the match into extra time, where the tension in the stadium reached fever pitch.
As the first half of extra time progressed, both teams were visibly fatigued, yet the stakes were higher than ever. Just when it seemed like the match would be decided by penalties, a crucial mistake by Real Madrid’s defense proved costly. In the 116th minute, Jules Koundé seized an opportunity when he intercepted a loose ball near the edge of the area. Without hesitation, he unleashed a powerful shot that curled past Courtois and into the bottom corner of the net, sending the Barcelona fans into a frenzy. Koundé's goal not only sealed the victory for Barcelona but also marked a historic moment as they claimed their 32nd Copa del Rey title.
The atmosphere in La Cartuja erupted with joy as Koundé celebrated with his teammates, and even the substitutes joined in the ecstatic display. Fans waved flags and lit flares, creating a vibrant scene of celebration that echoed throughout the stadium. This victory not only adds another trophy to Barcelona's illustrious history but also reinforces the team's ambitions for a treble-winning season, as they continue to compete in both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.
Barcelona's triumph was not without controversy, however. The match was marred by contentious officiating moments, including a penalty awarded to Madrid in the 96th minute, which was later overturned after a VAR review determined there was no foul committed. Raphinha was booked for simulation, further igniting debates among fans and analysts alike regarding the officiating standards in such high-stakes matches.
As for Koundé, his performance throughout the tournament has been exemplary. The 26-year-old defender, who has become a crucial player for Barcelona since his arrival, showcased his versatility and skill not only in defense but also in attack. With this decisive goal in the final, Koundé further solidified his status as a key figure in the squad, earning him praise from fans and pundits alike. He has now played 52 matches this season, scoring four goals and providing eight assists, and his contributions have been vital in Barcelona's successful campaign.
In the post-match interviews, coach Hansi Flick expressed his pride in the team's performance, stating, "This victory is a testament to our hard work and determination. We showed resilience after going behind, and I couldn't be happier for the players and the fans." Meanwhile, Koundé reflected on his goal, saying, "I just saw the opportunity and went for it. Winning this trophy means everything to us, and I’m grateful to be part of this amazing team. We have more to achieve this season, and we will keep fighting for every title."
As the dust settles on this thrilling final, Barcelona can savor their victory over their fiercest rivals, while Real Madrid will be left to ponder what went wrong after a promising start. With the season still ongoing, both teams have plenty to play for, and fans can expect more exciting encounters as they battle for supremacy in Spanish football.
This Copa del Rey final was not just a match; it was a dramatic chapter in the storied rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid, and it will surely be remembered as one of the classic encounters in football history.
