In a captivating Copa del Rey final at Seville’s Estadio La Cartuja, FC Barcelona triumphed over arch-rivals Real Madrid with a 3-2 victory after extra time, securing their record-extending 32nd Spanish Cup title.
Match Summary
Barcelona dominated the first half, taking the lead in the 28th minute through Pedri’s precise strike. Real Madrid responded in the second half, with Kylian Mbappé equalizing via a direct free-kick in the 70th minute—his first such goal in his career. Aurélien Tchouaméni then headed Madrid into the lead in the 77th minute.
Barcelona fought back, with Ferran Torres leveling the score in the 84th minute, assisted by Lamine Yamal. The match proceeded to extra time, where Jules Koundé capitalized on a Real Madrid error to score the decisive goal in the 116th minute, sealing the victory for Barcelona.
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Player Ratings
Barcelona
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Wojciech Szczęsny (GK): 6.5 – Made crucial saves to keep Barcelona in the game.
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Jules Koundé (RB): 8.5 – Scored the winning goal and was solid defensively.
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Pau Cubarsí (CB): 6.9 – Showed composure in defense.
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Iñigo Martínez (CB): 7.4 – Provided leadership and stability at the back.
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Gerard Martín (LB): 6.9 – Balanced defensive duties with forward runs.
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Frenkie de Jong (CM): 6.7 – Controlled the midfield tempo.
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Pedri (CM): 8.1 – Opened the scoring and orchestrated play effectively.
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Lamine Yamal (RW): 8.8 – A constant threat on the flank, providing an assist.
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Dani Olmo (AM): 6.9 – Linked midfield and attack before being substituted.
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Raphinha (LW): 7.9 – Stretched Madrid’s defense with pace and dribbling.
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Ferran Torres (ST): 8.4 – Scored the crucial equalizer and was named Man of the Match.
Real Madrid
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Thibaut Courtois (GK): 4.8 – Made key saves but was at fault for Torres’ equalizer.
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Fran García (LB): 6 – Replaced Mendy early; struggled to contain Yamal.
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Kylian Mbappé (FW): 8 – Scored a stunning free-kick and changed the game’s momentum.
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Aurélien Tchouaméni (CM): 7 – Headed Madrid into the lead and was solid in midfield.
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Brahim Díaz (AM): 5 – His error led to Koundé’s winning goal.
Post-Match Reactions
The match was marked by controversy, with Real Madrid’s Antonio Rüdiger receiving a red card from the bench for aggressive behavior towards the referee. Barcelona’s victory keeps them on track for a potential treble, adding one of the most memorable Copa del Rey victories to their history.
Real Madrid’s coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed disappointment over the late goal and emphasized the need to refocus on the LaLiga title race, where they trail Barcelona by four points with five matches remaining.
This thrilling El Clásico final showcased the intensity and drama synonymous with one of football’s greatest rivalries, leaving fans eagerly anticipating their next encounter.
