New Delhi: FC Barcelona clinched a record-extending 32nd Copa del Rey title, edging out arch-rivals Real Madrid 3–2 after extra time, in the final match held at the Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville on Saturday. It was the 260th competitive match between the sides and the first in a Copa del Rey final since they last met in 2014. The summit clash turned out to be a thriller as the Barça side claimed the 123rd edition of Spain’s primary football cup.
The game started with Barcelona asserting early dominance, as in the 28th minute, Pedri opened the scoring with an exceptional long-range strike. It seemed as if he came into the picture out of nowhere, capitalising on a move orchestrated by his dynamic teammate Lamine Yamal. The goal sent the Barca fans into a state of mania, and for the minutes remaining till the half-time whistle, the score line remained 1-0.
LA COPA ES NUESTRA 🏆 pic.twitter.com/dH9CFUgFot
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es) April 26, 2025
Real Madrid gave a response in the second half, initiated by their talisman Kylin Mbappe, who was introduced into the field as a substitute. Only in the 70th minute he equalised, with his first career free-kick goal, also marking his 32nd of the season. Just seven minutes later, Madrid made it 2-1 in their favour as Aurélien Tchouaméni headed in another.
Barcelona were undeterred and went on to level the match in the 84th minute through Ferran Torres, who extracted a benefit from a lapse in Madrid’s defense. There was intense competition between the two sides, as has always been the case, and it weighed in on a controversial refereeing decision as well. Barcelona were denied a penalty after a VAR review, and the game headed into extra time.
LLEGAT BLAUGRANA 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/kUoOlqQInL
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es) April 27, 2025
Koundé wraps it up!
It was during the 116th minute of the extra time that Jules Koundé seized the opportunity of a defensive error and a misjudgment by Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to net home the decisive goal for Barcelona. However, this was not the end for the game as it concluded with further drama, including three Real Madrid players (Antonio Rüdiger, Lucas Vázquez, and Jude Bellingham) being sent off the field for confronting the referee.
Watch Koundé score winner in extra time –
🚨🇪🇸 GOAL | Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid | Jules Kounde
JULES KOUNDE HAS GIVEN BARCELONA THE LEAD IN THE 116TH MINUTE OF EXTRA TIME !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THIS IS INCREDIBLE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!pic.twitter.com/Txnab8Ctd5
— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) April 26, 2025
The record-extending Copa del Rey victory isn’t just a testament to Barcelona’s domination in the tournament, but it also keeps their hopes alive for a treble, as they are the La Liga leaders and are also contenders in the UEFA Champions League. Hansi Flick’s guidance has proven worthy for the Barca side as he has turned the team formidable, and it remains to be seen if more glory awaits the Catalonian side.
The El Clásico went into extra time as the two arch-nemesis were tied at 2-2 and Barcelona ultimately made it 3-2 with Jules Koundé giving them a lead in the 116th minute. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
