The stage was set for an unforgettable showdown as FC Barcelona and Real Madrid clashed in the highly anticipated Copa del Rey final on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Estadio Olímpico de Sevilla. With kick-off at 22:00, fans were treated to a thrilling match that showcased the fierce rivalry between these two Spanish giants.
Barcelona started strong, with Pedri scoring a stunning goal in the 28th minute to put his team ahead 1-0. The young midfielder received a perfectly timed pass from Lamine Yamal, who drew defenders away before Pedri unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the box, leaving Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois with no chance.
However, the tide began to turn in the second half. Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappé, who had been a question mark leading up to the match due to an ankle injury, made a significant impact when he found the net in the 70th minute. He expertly curled the ball around the Barcelona wall and into the net, equalizing the score at 1-1.
Just seven minutes later, Aurélien Tchouaméni capitalized on a defensive lapse from Barcelona, scoring with a header to give Real Madrid a 2-1 lead. The momentum had shifted, and it looked like Madrid might secure the victory.
But Barcelona wasn't done yet. In a dramatic turn of events, Ferran Torres scored in the 84th minute, equalizing at 2-2 after a mistake from Courtois, who misjudged the ball's trajectory. The match was electric, with both teams pushing hard for the win.
As the clock ticked down, a controversial moment unfolded in the 90+9th minute when a penalty was awarded to Barcelona after a foul on Raphinha. However, after a lengthy review by the VAR, the decision was overturned, and the penalty was canceled, much to the dismay of the Barcelona players and fans.
In the 96th minute, another penalty was awarded to Barcelona after a foul on Raphinha, reigniting hopes for a late winner. The match then entered extra time, with both teams looking to seize the moment.
Throughout the match, the tension was palpable. Vinicius Júnior, a key player for Real Madrid, had to be substituted due to cramps, replaced by Brahim Diaz as the team sought fresh legs in the attacking line. Meanwhile, Frenkie de Jong received a yellow card in the 68th minute for a foul on Mbappé, adding to the match's intensity.
In the first half, Real Madrid struggled to find their rhythm, with Bellingham's goal disallowed for offside in the 35th minute, and Ancelotti receiving a yellow card for protesting the referee's decisions. Meanwhile, Barcelona dominated possession, with Wojciech Szczęsny largely untroubled in goal during the first half, as the Catalans created multiple chances.
Despite the cancellation of the penalty and a rollercoaster of emotions, both teams displayed incredible skill and determination, making this Copa del Rey final one for the history books. Barcelona had previously beaten Real Madrid twice this season, including a 4-0 thrashing in La Liga and a 2-5 victory in the Supercopa, but this match was a different beast entirely.
As the first period of extra time unfolded, the players were visibly fatigued but resolute. The crowd was on the edge of their seats, with every attack met with gasps and cheers. The tactical battle between the coaches, Hans-Dieter Flick for Barcelona and Carlo Ancelotti for Real Madrid, added another layer of intrigue to the match, as both sought to outmaneuver the other.
With the final whistle still to come, the outcome of this thrilling encounter remained uncertain. Both teams had displayed moments of brilliance, and as the match continued into its final stages, fans could only hold their breath, hoping for a decisive moment that would crown one of these historic clubs as the Copa del Rey champions.
The Copa del Rey final was not just a match; it was a spectacle that showcased the heart and soul of Spanish football, with Barcelona and Real Madrid once again proving why they are two of the most storied clubs in the world. As the players battled on the pitch, the legacy of this rivalry continued to grow, promising more unforgettable moments in the future.
