Barcelona secured a historic 3-2 victory over arch-rivals Real Madrid in an electrifying Copa del Rey final, with Jules Kounde emerging as the unlikely hero. The match, held at Estadio La Cartuja, was filled with twists and drama, stretching into extra time where Kounde’s decisive strike in the 116th minute sealed the Catalan side’s record-extending 32nd Copa del Rey title. Despite Madrid’s valiant efforts, Barcelona’s resilience and attacking prowess ultimately proved too much for their rivals.
Madrid had come from behind in regular time, thanks to two quick goals in just seven minutes. Kylian Mbappe, who was brought on at halftime due to an ankle injury, played a pivotal role by scoring a free kick that canceled out Pedri’s opening goal, and later saw his effort disallowed for offside. Aurelien Tchouameni then headed home from a corner, putting Madrid ahead before Ferran Torres equalized late for Barcelona with a cool finish over Thibaut Courtois. The game’s intensity kept fans on the edge of their seats until Kounde’s late heroics.
Referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea’s controversial decisions added further tension to the match. Madrid requested his removal before kick-off, citing perceived bias, but he remained officiating. In a key moment in stoppage time, he initially awarded Madrid a penalty after Raphinha was fouled, only to overturn it following a VAR review that deemed Raphinha had dived. The match saw heightened emotions, with Rudiger dismissed after reacting aggressively to a Barcelona free kick and Lucas Vazquez receiving a red card after full time.
Barcelona’s victory marked their third consecutive Clasico win this season, having previously triumphed in the Supercopa de Espana and La Liga fixtures. Despite missing star striker Robert Lewandowski, Torres stepped up up front, finishing as Copa del Rey’s top scorer with six goals. Pedri’s sublime opener, assisted by Lamine Yamal, exemplified Barcelona’s attacking quality, which ultimately outshone Madrid’s star-studded offense. The win keeps Barcelona’s treble ambitions alive, with a crucial La Liga and Champions League campaign ahead.
Madrid faces an uncertain future, with coach Carlo Ancelotti’s tenure possibly coming to an end after a season without silverware. The loss was compounded by mistakes from midfield maestro Luka Modric, whose sloppy pass led to Kounde’s winning goal. Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe’s impressive involvement in recent finals highlights his rising influence, even though Madrid’s season may end empty-handed. As Barcelona celebrates their victory, all eyes turn to the next Clasico, which could decide the La Liga title on May 11.
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