In a thrilling Copa del Rey final held on April 26, 2025, Barcelona edged out their historic rivals Real Madrid 3-2 after extra time, marking Real Madrid's first final defeat since 2013. The match, played at the Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville, was a showcase of skill and drama, with both teams exchanging leads and showcasing the intensity of El Clásico.
Barcelona started the match with a strong momentum, with Pedri scoring the opening goal, setting the tone for the first half. However, Real Madrid responded fiercely, with Kylian Mbappé, who came off the bench, and Aurélien Tchouameni leading a comeback that saw them take a brief 2-1 lead. Tchouameni scored a powerful header from a set piece, demonstrating his versatility and importance to the team.
Despite Madrid's resurgence, Barcelona equalized through Ferran Torres, who found the net late in the second half, forcing the match into extra time. The decisive moment came when Jules Koundé, who had been instrumental throughout the match, scored a stunning goal from outside the box, sealing the victory for Barcelona.
The match was not without its controversies, particularly regarding officiating. Real Madrid had few complaints about the refereeing, as VAR played a crucial role in overturning a penalty decision that could have changed the game's outcome. However, tensions boiled over in injury time, leading to two red cards for Real Madrid as frustration mounted among players.
Real Madrid's coach Carlo Ancelotti faced scrutiny following the defeat, having won only 10 of his 24 previous Clásicos. The pressure is now on him as the team prepares for the next crucial league match against Barcelona on May 11, 2025. With Barcelona currently holding a four-point lead in La Liga, the stakes couldn't be higher.
In the lead-up to the final, injuries plagued both teams. Ferland Mendy started for Real Madrid but was forced off after just 10 minutes due to a muscular issue, leaving Fran García to fill in defensively. Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappé's impact off the bench was undeniable; he recorded an impressive 0.21 expected goals (xG), created two chances, and scored a beautifully placed free-kick.
Aurélien Tchouameni's performance stood out as one of the positives for Real Madrid. He not only scored but also won nine of 13 duels, demonstrating his all-around ability to influence both ends of the pitch.
On the Barcelona side, Lamine Yamal shone brightly, providing two assists and earning a remarkable player rating of 9. His contributions were pivotal in both creating the first goal and setting up Torres for the equalizer.
Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny had a mixed performance, making crucial saves but also showing moments of hesitation that could have cost his team. His rating of 6.5 reflects the highs and lows of his performance.
As the match progressed into the extra period, the physicality increased, leading to a more intense battle. Players like Fede Valverde and Jude Bellingham fought hard, with Bellingham making crucial decisions to keep Real Madrid in contention.
With the next Clásico looming, the pressure is mounting for both teams. Real Madrid must not only secure victories in their upcoming matches but also hope for Barcelona to slip against teams like Espanyol or Villarreal. The stakes are high as both clubs vie for supremacy in La Liga.
The aftermath of the Copa del Rey final has left Real Madrid fans questioning their team's direction and Ancelotti's decisions. The emotional outbursts from players during the final moments of the match showcased a lack of discipline and leadership, particularly from captain Lucas Vázquez and star player Vinícius Júnior.
As the dust settles on this latest chapter of El Clásico, Barcelona will revel in their victory, while Real Madrid faces a critical juncture in their season. With the Champions League semi-finals also on the horizon, both clubs will need to balance their ambitions across multiple competitions.
The rivalry between these two giants of Spanish football continues to captivate fans worldwide, and as they prepare for their next encounter, the drama and excitement of El Clásico remains as fierce as ever.
