In a heart-stopping final, Barcelona emerged victorious against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey, securing a 3-2 victory after extra time. The match, held at the Cartuja stadium, was a rollercoaster of emotions, marked by stunning goals, controversial calls, and relentless drama.

Match Highlights: A Classic for the Ages

• Early Dominance: Barcelona started strong, controlling possession and creating early chances.
• Madrid’s Resilience: Real Madrid, despite early setbacks, showcased their counter-attacking prowess.
• Key Moments:
  • 30th Minute: Pedri scores, putting Barcelona ahead 1-0.
  • 35th Minute: Jude Bellingham’s goal disallowed for offside.
  • 71st Minute: kylian Mbappé equalizes with a powerful free kick, 1-1.
  • 77th Minute: Aurelien Tchouaméni scores with a header, giving Madrid a 2-1 lead.
  • 83rd Minute: Ferrán Torres levels the score, 2-2.
  • 115th Minute: Jules Koundé scores the decisive goal from outside the area,3-2.

Controversy and Turning Points

The match was not without its share of controversy. A late penalty initially awarded to Barcelona was overturned by VAR due to a perceived simulation by Raphinha. This decision sparked debate among fans and pundits alike.

Quotes from the Battlefield

The tension leading up to the final was palpable, with Real madrid expressing concerns over the referee assignments. the team had previously suffered defeats in two classics, adding extra motivation for revenge.

The match is scheduled to start at 4:00 pm Venezuela, with exclusive transmission for the national territory in Meridiano TV.

Key Players and Performances

• Barcelona:
  • Pedri: Opened the scoring with a crucial goal.
  • Jules Koundé: Scored the winning goal in extra time.
  • Ferrán Torres: Equalized late in the second half, forcing extra time.
  • Lamine Yamal: A constant threat, nearly scoring in the first half.
• Real Madrid:
  • Kylian Mbappé: Scored a stunning free kick to level the score.
  • Aurelien Tchouaméni: Gave Madrid the lead with a header.
  • Thibaut Courtois: Made several crucial saves, keeping Madrid in the game.

Match Timeline

• 0′: The Copa del Rey 2025 final between Barcelona and Real Madrid begins.
• 7′: Both teams establish their playing styles: Barcelona with possession, Real Madrid with counter-attacks.
• 10′: Forced substitution for Madrid: Ferland Mendy injured, Fran García enters.
• 18′: Lamine Yamal almost breaks the tie,nearly scoring the first goal.
• 21′: Thibaut Courtois makes a brilliant save against jules Koundé.
• 30′: 1-0! Pedri puts Barcelona ahead.
• 35′: Offside! Jude Bellingham’s equalizer is disallowed.
• 43′: Dani Olmo nearly scores an Olympic goal, hitting the post.
• 45+5′: Half-time! Barcelona finishes the first half strongly.
• 46′: The second half begins.
• 49′: Wojciech Szczęsny makes a double save against Vinícius Jr.
• 58′: madrid shows signs of awakening but lacks effectiveness in attack.
• 71′: 1-1! Kylian Mbappé equalizes with a powerful free kick.
• 77′: 1-2! Aurelien Tchouaméni scores with a header.
• 81′: Thibaut Courtois denies Lamine Yamal with a great save.
• 83′: 2-2! Ferrán Torres ties the game.
• 90+9′: penalty for Barcelona overturned by VAR for Raphinha’s simulation.
• 90+10′: End of the second half! The final goes to extra time.
• 90′: Extra time begins.
• 100′: Parity remains; fatigue sets in.
• 107′: Ferrán Torres scores, but the goal is disallowed for offside.
• 115′: 3-2! Jules Koundé scores from outside the area.
• 120+2′: Champion! Barcelona wins the Copa del Rey.