In a pulsating El Clásico showdown at the Estadio de La Cartuja, Barcelona emerged victorious with a 3-2 extra-time win over arch-rivals Real Madrid to claim the Copa del Rey for a record-extending 32nd time. Jules Koundé’s stunning 116th-minute strike sealed a dramatic victory, marking Barcelona’s first Copa del Rey triumph since 2021 and igniting wild celebrations among the 70,000 spectators in Seville.
The match, a fitting spectacle for one of football’s fiercest rivalries, lived up to its billing with end-to-end action, controversy, and moments of brilliance. Barcelona, under the guidance of manager Hansi Flick, showcased their attacking prowess and resilience, overcoming the absence of star striker Robert Lewandowski, who was sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Barcelona dominated the opening exchanges, with their youthful squad setting the tone. The breakthrough came in the first half when 22-year-old Pedri, shrugging off a 15-game goal drought, latched onto a precise pass and slotted home to give Barça a 1-0 lead. The goal, his first in the Copa del Rey final, underlined the midfielder’s growing influence in big matches. Real Madrid, despite flashes of brilliance from Kylian Mbappé, who had returned from injury, struggled to penetrate Barcelona’s resolute defense, marshaled by Pau Cubarsí and a returning Marc-André ter Stegen.
The second half saw Real Madrid roar back into contention. A defensive lapse allowed Rodrygo to equalize, and shortly after, Mbappé’s clinical finish put Los Blancos ahead 2-1, silencing the Barcelona faithful. With time ticking away, it seemed Real Madrid were poised to salvage their season after a disappointing Champions League exit. However, Ferran Torres, stepping up in Lewandowski’s absence, had other ideas. In the dying moments of regular time, the forward pounced on a loose ball to force extra time, sending the Barcelona bench into raptures.
The additional 30 minutes saw both teams visibly fatigued but unrelenting in their pursuit of glory. The turning point came in the 116th minute when Koundé, typically a defensive stalwart, capitalized on a misplaced pass from Luka Modrić and a passive error by Real Madrid’s Brahim Díaz. The French defender unleashed a thunderous low strike from distance that flew past Thibaut Courtois, sparking delirium among the Barça supporters. The goal proved to be the decisive blow, as Real Madrid couldn’t muster a response in the final minutes.
Hansi Flick praised his team’s character, emphasizing their ability to “enjoy” the occasion despite the pressure. “This group is special. They fought until the end, and Jules’ goal was a moment of pure quality. We’re not done yet—this is just one step,” Flick said, alluding to Barcelona’s pursuit of a potential treble, with La Liga and the Champions League still in their sights.
Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti, under scrutiny after a trophyless Champions League campaign, lamented the defensive errors that cost his side. “We gave everything, but small mistakes made the difference. We’ll regroup and focus on La Liga,” he said. The loss leaves Real Madrid four points behind Barcelona in the league with five games remaining.
The build-up to the final was marred by controversy, with Real Madrid boycotting pre-match activities in protest of referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea’s emotional press conference, where he criticized the club’s TV channel for targeting officials. Despite the tension, the match was officiated without major incident, though Real Madrid’s frustrations were evident in their post-match comments.
The win secures Barcelona’s place in next season’s Spanish Super Cup, potentially worth €6-8 million in additional revenue, and bolsters their financial position with over €2 million in prize money and ticket revenue from the final. For Real Madrid, the defeat piles pressure on Ancelotti, with a crucial La Liga El Clásico looming that could define their season.