Seville, Spain – In a heart-stopping Copa del Rey final, Barcelona emerged victorious against Real Madrid with a 3-2 win, sealed by a late goal from defender Jules Kounde in extra time. The victory at La Cartuja stadium marked a critically important moment for the Catalans, who are still in contention for a quadruple this season.

This win also represents the first major trophy under the leadership of coach Hansi Flick, adding to the excitement surrounding the team’s potential this season.

Match Highlights: A Rollercoaster of Goals

• Early Lead: Pedri put Barcelona ahead, showcasing precision and power from the edge of the box.
• Madrid’s Comeback: Real Madrid responded with two goals in quick succession from Kylian Mbappe and Aurelien Tchouameni,turning the tide in their favor.
• Late Equalizer: Ferran Torres leveled the score in the 84th minute, forcing the game into extra time.
• Kounde’s Decisive Strike: Jules Kounde’s goal in extra time secured the win for Barcelona, sending their fans into jubilation.

Key Moments and Turning Points

The match was filled with drama from start to finish. Real Madrid suffered an early blow when Ferland Mendy, playing his first game in six weeks, sustained a thigh injury. Carlo Ancelotti brought on Fran Garcia to contain Barcelona’s young star, Lamine Yamal.

barcelona dominated possession and took the lead in the 28th minute. it was a sensational goal, starting with a smart Pau Cubarsi interception in his own half. Pedri’s goal, initiated by cubarsi’s interception and Yamal’s playmaking, highlighted Barcelona’s cohesive attack.

Madrid’s response was initially stifled, with a Jude Bellingham goal ruled offside and a potential penalty for vinicius Junior also negated by an offside call.

Second Half Surge and Controversial Calls

Real Madrid introduced Kylian Mbappe at halftime, and the French star quickly made an impact. Mbappe pulled Madrid level almost on his own in the 70th minute, scoring a free-kick after being brought down by Frenkie de Jong.

Madrid then took the lead with Tchouameni heading home from an Arda Guler corner. However, Barcelona responded swiftly, with Torres capitalizing on a pass from Yamal to equalize.

The match was not without controversy. Barcelona appealed for a penalty when Rudiger appeared to foul Torres, and were initially awarded a penalty for a foul on Raphinha, only for the decision to be overturned by VAR, with Raphinha booked for diving.

Extra Time Decider and Aftermath

In extra time,Barcelona pressed for the winning goal,which eventually came through Kounde. They eventually found it when Kounde intercepted an uncharacteristically loose Luka Modric pass and beat Courtois with a powerful low effort from outside the box, sparking wild celebrations.

The game concluded with Antonio Rudiger being sent off for throwing an object onto the pitch, adding further fuel to the already intense rivalry. The teams are set to meet again in LaLiga in May, a match that could significantly impact the title race.

Madrid, who started with top scorer Mbappe on the bench after an ankle injury, suffered an early setback when left-back Ferland Mendy, playing his first game for six weeks, suffered a thigh injury.

Source: Match Report