In a match that will be remembered for its intensity, drama, and controversy, Barcelona edged out Real Madrid 3–2 after extra time last night to lift their 32nd Copa del Rey title at Estadio La Cartuja in Seville.
The latest chapter of El Clásico lived up to the hype, with both teams producing a spectacle filled with stunning goals, pivotal VAR decisions, controversial decisions on field of play, and post-match chaos.
Barcelona drew first blood in the 28th minute when Pedri unleashed a sensational long-range strike that flew past Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin. The early goal boosted the Catalans' confidence, as they controlled much of the first half with crisp passing and high pressing.
However, Madrid responded fiercely after the break. Kylian Mbappé, who was playing in his first domestic final for Los Blancos, equalized in the 70th minute with a superb free-kick—his first career goal from a direct free-kick. Just five minutes later, Aurelien Tchouameni completed Madrid’s comeback by heading home a pinpoint cross, putting Real 2–1 up.
Barcelona, determined not to let the final slip away, found an equalizer in the 84th minute through Ferran Torres, who slotted home from close range following a scramble in the box. With neither side able to find a winner in regulation time, the match headed into extra time, setting up a dramatic finish.
In the 116th minute, a defensive error from Madrid proved costly. A wayward back pass gifted the ball to Jules Koundé, who calmly finished past Lunin to send the Barcelona fans into raptures.
Despite late Madrid pressure, Barcelona held on to secure the trophy. The result marks their third victory over Real Madrid this season, having already defeated them 5–2 in the Spanish Supercopa final in January and winning their La Liga encounter earlier this year.
The match wasn’t without controversy. Real Madrid had a strong penalty appeal waved off after a VAR review found an offside in the build-up. Tensions boiled over after the final whistle, leading to red cards for Real Madrid's Antonio Rüdiger, Lucas Vázquez, and Jude Bellingham, all sent off for dissent and confrontations with the referee.
For Barcelona, the victory is monumental. Not only does it extend their record as the most successful club in Copa del Rey history, but it also marks the first major trophy under new manager Hansi Flick, who took charge at the start of the season. With Barcelona still competing in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, hopes of a historic treble are very much alive.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, will be left to ponder their missed opportunities and the growing pressure after suffering three defeats to their archrivals in the same season—a rare occurrence in modern Clásico history.
As the dust settles on this epic final, fans won’t have to wait long for another clash between these two giants. They are set to meet again in May in a La Liga fixture that could very well decide the destiny of the domestic title.
For now, Barcelona celebrates a hard-fought, emotional triumph, adding yet another prestigious chapter to their storied history.
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