In a thrilling encounter at the Estadio La Cartuja in Seville, Real Madrid faced off against FC Barcelona in the highly anticipated Copa del Rey final on April 26, 2025. The match, which kicked off at 22:00 CET, drew significant attention as both teams aimed to secure a prestigious title. Barcelona came into the match with confidence after their recent 5-2 victory over Madrid in the Supercopa de España earlier this year, while Madrid was eager to claim their 22nd Copa del Rey title.
Real Madrid's lineup featured Thibaut Courtois in goal, with defenders Lucas Vázquez, Antonio Rüdiger, Raúl Asencio, and Ferland Mendy. The midfield was anchored by Aurélien Tchouaméni, Federico Valverde, Dani Ceballos, and Jude Bellingham, while the forward line included Rodrygo and Vinicius. However, the absence of Kylian Mbappé from the starting eleven due to an ankle injury raised eyebrows, as the French superstar was expected to play a crucial role in the final.
As the match unfolded, it quickly became evident that Real Madrid was struggling to find their rhythm. The first half saw Barcelona taking control, with Pedri scoring a stunning long-range goal that put the Catalans ahead. Madrid's attempts to respond were thwarted by a disallowed goal from Bellingham for offside and a penalty appeal for Vinicius that was denied for the same reason. The first half ended with Madrid trailing 1-0, and Carlo Ancelotti's tactics were under scrutiny.
After the break, Ancelotti made a bold decision by introducing Kylian Mbappé, and the dynamic of the match shifted dramatically. The addition of Mbappé injected new life into Madrid's attack, and they quickly found an equalizer through a free-kick goal from the Frenchman, marking his first career goal from a set piece. Shortly after, Tchouaméni headed in a second goal for Madrid, giving them a 2-1 lead and sending their fans into a frenzy.
However, Barcelona was not to be outdone. Ferrán Torres scored an equalizer, forcing the match into extra time after a tense second half. The match was marred by controversy, including a VAR review that denied Barcelona a penalty for a foul by Asencio on Raphinha. Both teams had chances to seal the victory, but it was Koundé who ultimately found the net for Barcelona, securing a 3-2 victory in extra time.
Thibaut Courtois had a mixed performance, making a crucial save in the 80th minute but also facing criticism for his positioning on Torres' goal. The defenders, particularly Rüdiger and Asencio, held their ground against Barcelona's attacks, but the early injury to Mendy forced an early substitution, which impacted Madrid's defensive stability.
Tchouaméni and Valverde were standout performers for Madrid, with Tchouaméni receiving an 8 for his pivotal role in midfield and scoring a key goal. Valverde's relentless energy earned him the same score, as he was instrumental in both defense and attack. On the other hand, Rodrygo struggled to make an impact, receiving a low score of 1, while Vinicius and Bellingham were more effective, both earning 7s for their contributions.
The match was not only a battle on the pitch but also a clash of philosophies between managers Carlo Ancelotti and Hansi Flick. Flick's Barcelona came into the match as the favorites, bolstered by their strong form in LaLiga and a successful run in the UEFA Champions League, where they were still in contention. The AI predictions prior to the match favored Barcelona to win 2-1, a forecast that ultimately proved accurate.
This Copa del Rey final showcased the fierce rivalry between these two giants of Spanish football, with both teams displaying their strengths and weaknesses. For Real Madrid, questions remain about their defensive setup and the fitness of key players like Mbappé, who despite his impactful appearance, could not lead them to victory. Meanwhile, Barcelona celebrated their 33rd Copa del Rey title, further solidifying their dominance in Spanish football.
As the dust settles on this thrilling encounter, both teams will look to their next challenges. Barcelona will continue to push for titles in LaLiga and the Champions League, while Real Madrid will need to regroup and address their inconsistencies if they hope to reclaim their status at the top of Spanish football.
