The 2025 Copa del Rey final was a thrilling clash between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, held on April 26, 2025, at La Cartuja in Seville. This match was not just a test of skill and strategy but also a showcase of intense emotions, controversies, and pivotal moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
As the two giants of Spanish football squared off, the stakes were high. Barcelona, under the guidance of coach Hansi Flick, aimed to solidify their dominance after already clinching the Supercopa earlier in the season. Real Madrid, eager to break their losing streak against their arch-rivals, fielded a strong lineup despite some key injuries.
One of the most talked-about moments of the match occurred in the dying seconds of regulation. With the score tied at 2-2, Barcelona's Raphinha surged into the penalty area, looking to capitalize on a defensive lapse from Real Madrid's Marco Asensio. In a tense moment, referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea pointed to the spot, signaling a penalty for Barcelona after interpreting that Asensio had fouled Raphinha.
However, this decision quickly spiraled into controversy. As the players surrounded the referee, questioning the call, the VAR (Video Assistant Referee) intervened. After a thorough review, de Burgos Bengoetxea was called to the monitor to reassess the incident. The replays showed minimal contact, leading the referee to overturn his initial decision and cancel the penalty. This dramatic turnaround left Barcelona players and fans in disbelief while giving Real Madrid a moment of relief.
In the aftermath of the overturned penalty, Raphinha was shown a yellow card for simulation, further complicating the narrative of the match. The game continued into extra time, where Barcelona eventually broke the deadlock with a goal from Jules Koundé, sealing a 3-2 victory and securing their second title of the season.
Throughout the match, both teams had their share of missed opportunities and contentious calls. Earlier, Barcelona had claimed a penalty for a challenge by Antonio Rüdiger on Ferran Torres, but VAR did not intervene, leaving the Catalan side frustrated. The contrasting decisions sparked debates among pundits and fans alike, with some analysts, like Paco González, expressing their views on the penalty controversy. "The more I see it, the less it looks like a penalty," he remarked, echoing sentiments shared by others in the football community.
Real Madrid's coach, Carlo Ancelotti, had to navigate a challenging situation, especially with Kylian Mbappé starting on the bench due to an ankle sprain. The French star had missed the last two matches but was brought on at halftime to boost Madrid's attacking options. Despite his efforts, the team struggled to find the back of the net against a resolute Barcelona defense.
The match was marked by high intensity and tactical adjustments from both sides. Ancelotti's decision to field a midfield-heavy formation with Fede Valverde, Dani Ceballos, and Aurélien Tchouaméni aimed to control the center of the pitch, while Flick's Barcelona maintained their trademark fluidity and creativity.
In the end, the 2025 Copa del Rey final will be remembered not only for Barcelona's triumph but also for the controversies that surrounded it. The VAR's role in overturning the penalty highlighted the ongoing debates about technology's impact on the game. As the dust settles, Barcelona's victory reinforces their status as the dominant force in Spanish football this season, while Real Madrid faces questions about their ability to reclaim their former glory.
As both teams reflect on this dramatic encounter, fans will undoubtedly continue to discuss the implications of the decisions made on the pitch. The rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid remains as fierce as ever, promising more thrilling encounters in the future.
