In a thrilling showdown that had fans on the edge of their seats, Barcelona triumphed over Real Madrid in the Spanish Cup final, clinching a 3-2 victory after extra time on April 26, 2025. The match, held at a neutral venue, saw Barcelona take the lead early on, only to face fierce competition from their arch-rivals, Real Madrid, who fought back valiantly.
Barcelona's Pedri opened the scoring in the 28th minute, capitalizing on a swift counter-attack. Receiving a pass from Lamine Yamal just outside the penalty area, Pedri unleashed a powerful shot that found the back of the net, sending the Barcelona supporters into raptures. The first half concluded with Barcelona leading 1-0, but it was clear that Real Madrid would not go down without a fight.
After the break, Real Madrid made a tactical change, bringing on Kylian Mbappe, who had been recovering from a slight ankle injury. The French forward made an immediate impact, scoring from the penalty spot in the 70th minute after being fouled in the box. His shot hit the left post and ricocheted in, leveling the score at 1-1.
Just seven minutes later, Real Madrid took the lead through Aurélien Tchouameni, who headed in a corner kick, putting his team ahead 2-1. However, Barcelona's resilience shone through when Ferran Torres equalized in the 84th minute. He received a brilliant through ball from Yamal, deftly maneuvered past the oncoming goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, and slotted the ball into an empty net, making it 2-2.
With the match tied at the end of regulation time, both teams prepared for extra time, knowing that the coveted trophy was still up for grabs. As the clock ticked down in the second half of extra time, it was Barcelona's Jules Kounde who became the hero of the night. In the 116th minute, Kounde intercepted a pass, surged forward, and unleashed a thunderous shot from just outside the box, sealing the victory for Barcelona at 3-2.
This victory not only secured the Spanish Cup for Barcelona but also marked their first season in 42 years where they have beaten Real Madrid in all three encounters. Coach Xavi, who has now become the first Barcelona manager since Pep Guardiola to achieve this feat, expressed immense pride in his team's performance. "The players were incredible today. We fought until the end and never gave up. They deserve all the praise for their effort," Xavi stated after the match.
Barcelona's success in the Spanish Cup adds to their aspirations of achieving a historic treble this season. Currently leading La Liga by four points over Real Madrid, they are also preparing for the upcoming UEFA Champions League semi-finals. The depth of their squad has been a significant factor in their success, with five players having scored in double digits this season, showcasing their attacking prowess.
Real Madrid, despite the loss, showed their fighting spirit and determination. Coach Carlo Ancelotti had opted to rest Mbappe for the final, hoping to have him at full strength for this crucial match. However, the defeat marks a challenging season for the club, which has seen them exit the Champions League in the quarter-finals and currently trailing Barcelona in the league.
The match was not without its controversies, with some reports suggesting that Real Madrid had considered boycotting the match due to disputes with the officiating crew. However, the game proceeded, culminating in a spectacular display of football from both sides.
The victory for Barcelona not only adds another trophy to their cabinet but also solidifies their dominance in Spanish football this season. With the celebrations set to continue, the focus will now shift to their upcoming league and European fixtures, as they aim to capitalize on this momentum.
As the dust settles on this epic encounter, fans are left to ponder the implications of this result. Will Barcelona continue their winning streak, or will Real Madrid bounce back in their next encounters? One thing is certain: the rivalry between these two giants of football remains as fierce as ever, and the stage is set for more thrilling clashes in the future.
