On April 26, 2025, the stage was set for a thrilling finale as Real Madrid faced off against FC Barcelona in the prestigious Coupe du Roi at the Stade La Cartuja in Seville. The stakes were high for both teams, with Barcelona looking to secure their third victory over their rivals this season after previously dominating the league and Supercopa encounters. Real Madrid, meanwhile, aimed to salvage their season after a disappointing exit from the Champions League and a trailing position in La Liga.
As the match kicked off at 22:00 local time, the atmosphere was electric, filled with passionate supporters from both sides, ready to witness another chapter of the storied rivalry known as El Clásico. The tension was palpable, especially given the controversies surrounding refereeing decisions leading up to the match, which had even prompted whispers about Real Madrid considering not playing.
Real Madrid's coach Carlo Ancelotti announced a starting lineup that featured Thibaut Courtois in goal, supported by a defense of Lucas Vázquez, Marco Asensio, Antonio Rüdiger, and Ferland Mendy. The midfield was anchored by Aurélien Tchouaméni, Dani Ceballos, and Jude Bellingham, while the attacking duo consisted of Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo. Notably, Kylian Mbappé, returning from injury, started on the bench, a decision that sparked considerable debate among fans and pundits alike.
Barcelona, under the guidance of Hansi Flick, deployed their own formidable lineup, featuring Wojciech Szczęsny in goal, with Jules Koundé, Iñigo Martínez, and Gerard Martin in defense. The midfield was bolstered by Frenkie de Jong and Pedri, while the attacking trio included Raphinha, Ferran Torres, and the young sensation Lamine Yamal.
From the outset, it was clear that Barcelona was in control. They dominated possession and created several chances, putting Real Madrid's defense under immense pressure. The breakthrough came in the 28th minute when Pedri, after a brilliant assist from Yamal, unleashed a stunning shot from the edge of the box that found the top corner, leaving Courtois with no chance. The goal sent the Barcelona supporters into a frenzy as they celebrated the 1-0 lead.
Real Madrid struggled to respond in the first half, with Vinicius Jr. largely isolated and the team appearing disjointed. Ancelotti's frustrations were evident, and he received a yellow card for his animated protests to the officials. As the first half concluded, the Merengues found themselves trailing, needing a significant turnaround in the second half.
With the stakes high, Ancelotti made a pivotal change at halftime, bringing on Mbappé for Rodrygo. The Frenchman’s introduction injected new life into the Madrid attack. Just five minutes into the second half, he nearly made an immediate impact, forcing Szczęsny into a crucial double save.
In the 70th minute, Mbappé finally got his name on the scoresheet, scoring a beautifully placed free kick that curled around the wall and into the net, leveling the match at 1-1. The goal was a testament to his exceptional talent and timing, igniting hope among the Madrid faithful.
As momentum shifted, Tchouaméni put Real Madrid ahead in the 78th minute, heading home from a corner delivered by Arda Güler, making it 2-1. The stadium erupted as the Madrid fans celebrated what seemed like a potential turning point in the match.
However, Barcelona refused to back down. In the 85th minute, Ferran Torres equalized for the Catalans, finishing coolly after a clever assist from Yamal. The match was now tied at 2-2, leading to a tense finish as both teams pushed for a winner.
As the clock ticked down, a controversial moment unfolded when a penalty was awarded to Barcelona in the dying moments of regulation time, only for the decision to be overturned after a VAR review. The match proceeded to extra time, with both teams visibly exhausted but determined to claim victory.
In the 115th minute, it was Jules Koundé who emerged as the hero for Barcelona. Capitalizing on a mistake from Luka Modric, Koundé intercepted a pass and unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box that sailed past Courtois, sealing a dramatic 3-2 victory for Barcelona. The goal sent the Barcelona bench into ecstatic celebration as they secured their 32nd Coupe du Roi title.
Post-match, Hansi Flick praised his team’s resilience, stating, "It was a final between two incredible teams. I’m very impressed with what the boys are doing." Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti reflected on the match, saying, "It was a good game. We were very close to winning. There’s nothing to reproach the team for tonight." He also noted the importance of Mbappé’s impact after his introduction.
The victory marked Barcelona's third Clásico win of the season, further solidifying their dominance over their rivals. As the players celebrated with the trophy, the atmosphere was filled with joy and relief for the Catalan side, while the Madrid players faced a harsh reality of a season without a major trophy.
In the aftermath, Real Madrid extended their congratulations to Barcelona via social media, acknowledging the fierce competition and the high stakes of this historic rivalry. As the dust settles on this thrilling encounter, both teams will now turn their attention to the remaining fixtures of the season, with Barcelona looking to maintain their lead in La Liga and Real Madrid striving to bounce back from this setback.
