In a rollercoaster Copa del Rey final at Seville’s La Cartuja Stadium on Saturday, Barcelona edged out Real Madrid 3-2 in extra time to clinch their record-extending 32nd Spanish Cup.
The breakthrough came in the 28th minute when Pedri curled a stunning effort into the top corner from outside the box, giving Barca early momentum. But Real Madrid fought back after the break. Sub on Kylian Mbappé, still regaining full fitness, drew level with a precise free kick in the 70th minute, and Aurelien Tchouameni headed in seven minutes later to put Los Blancos ahead.
With the clock ticking down and fans bracing for penalties, Ferran Torres sparked Barça’s revival on an 84th-minute counterattack, sending the game into extra time. Then, in the 116th minute, Jules Koundé unleashed a low, 25-yard drive into the bottom corner, sparking wild celebrations as the French defender sealed the title.
The match ended on a dramatic note off the field too: Real Madrid’s Antonio Rüdiger and Lucas Vázquez were shown red cards for dissent on the sidelines, and Jude Bellingham also saw red after the final whistle.
German coach Hansi Flick celebrated his first major trophy with Barcelona this season. “It was a good time to give the fans something to cheer about. Let’s enjoy it, but don’t overdo it—Champions League semis are coming soon,” said Torres, named Man of the Match. “Happy and tired. Without a doubt, it was the most physically demanding game I’ve ever played. But we’re a great team who never gives up. It tastes better that way, especially against Real.”
With a chance at a treble still alive—La Liga and the UEFA Champions League are next—Barça will look to build on this high. Meanwhile, Real Madrid must refocus on their league campaign to avoid a rare season without silverware.
Reference(s):
Barcelona sink Real Madrid in extra time to claim Copa del Rey title
cgtn.com
