Electricity crackled in the air as FC Barcelona triumphed over Real Madrid in a thrilling Copa del Rey final on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Olympic Stadium in Seville. The match, a rollercoaster of emotions, ended with a score of 3-2 after extra time, with Jules Koundé scoring the decisive goal in the 116th minute.
The Catalans, led by coach Hansi Flick, claimed their 32nd Copa del Rey title in a match that showcased resilience and skill against their eternal rivals. The game started with Barcelona dominating possession and dictating the tempo, leaving Real Madrid struggling to find their footing. Pedri opened the scoring in the 28th minute with a stunning shot after a brilliant assist from Lamine Yamal, giving Barcelona a 1-0 lead.
However, the tide shifted dramatically in the second half. Real Madrid, bolstered by the introduction of Kylian Mbappé at halftime, began to show signs of life. Mbappé equalized with a powerful free kick in the 70th minute, his shot hitting the post before finding the back of the net. Just seven minutes later, Aurélien Tchouaméni headed in a corner to put Real Madrid ahead 2-1, putting the pressure squarely on Barcelona.
But the Blaugrana were not to be outdone. In a rapid response, Ferran Torres equalized for Barcelona in the 84th minute after capitalizing on a mistake by goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The match was tied at 2-2, sending the game into extra time.
As the clock ticked down in extra time, both teams appeared to be tiring, and the prospect of a penalty shootout loomed large. Yet, in a moment of brilliance, Koundé intercepted a pass from Luka Modric and launched a powerful right-footed shot into the bottom corner, sealing the victory for Barcelona.
This victory not only adds another trophy to Barcelona's illustrious history but also places them in a strong position as they look ahead to their upcoming Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan on April 30, 2025. Meanwhile, Real Madrid faces a grim reality, with the possibility of finishing the season without major silverware.
The match was marred by controversial officiating from referee Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea, whose decisions were heavily scrutinized by both sides. Real Madrid had a goal from Jude Bellingham disallowed for offside in the first half, and they felt they should have been awarded a penalty for a foul on Vinicius Junior just before halftime. Barcelona, on the other hand, had a late penalty appeal for a handball by Federico Valverde denied by VAR.
Despite these controversies, the match was a testament to the fierce rivalry between these two giants of Spanish football. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, with fans from both sides passionately supporting their teams. Barcelona's victory marks their third win over Real Madrid this season, having previously triumphed in both the Supercopa de España and earlier league encounters.
As the final whistle blew, the jubilation among Barcelona players and fans was palpable, while the Real Madrid contingent was left to reflect on what could have been. With Kylian Mbappé scoring his 34th goal of the season, the French star continues to shine, but his efforts were ultimately in vain as the team heads towards a season that could end in disappointment.
In the aftermath of the match, Hansi Flick praised his team's fighting spirit, saying, "We showed great character to come back after going behind. This victory means so much to us, and we will carry this momentum into the Champions League next week." Meanwhile, Koundé expressed his joy at scoring the winning goal, stating, "It’s an incredible feeling to help my team win such an important trophy. We have to keep pushing forward now.”
As the dust settles on this thrilling Clasico, both teams must now regroup and prepare for their upcoming challenges. With Barcelona looking to secure more silverware and Real Madrid aiming to salvage their season, the rivalry is far from over. The next chapter will unfold on May 11, 2025, when the two sides meet again in La Liga, a match that promises to be just as intense.
