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Barcelona defender Jules Kounde struck deep into extra-time to seal a thrilling 3-2 victory over fierce rivals Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday in Seville.
The Catalan side, who are chasing a quadruple this season, secured the first major trophy of Hansi Flick’s tenure and claimed a record-extending 32nd Spanish Cup title dramatically.
Pedri opened the scoring for Barcelona at La Cartuja Stadium, but Real Madrid fought back with two quick second-half goals from Kylian Mbappe and Aurelien Tchouameni to turn the match in their favour. However, Ferran Torres equalised in the 84th minute to send the final into extra-time, where Kounde’s powerful strike clinched the win for the La Liga leaders.
The match ended in further controversy as Madrid’s substituted defender, Antonio Rudiger, was sent off for allegedly throwing an object towards the referee, while Lucas Vázquez was dismissed for continued protests from the sidelines.
“It was the right moment to give our fans something to celebrate — but we must not forget the Champions League semi-finals are just around the corner,” Torres told La 1, as Barcelona prepare to host Inter Milan on Wednesday.
Madrid began the encounter with top scorer Mbappe on the bench due to a recent ankle injury and suffered an early blow when Ferland Mendy limped off with a thigh problem. Fran Garcia replaced him, tasked with containing Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
The 17-year-old, who sported newly blond hair for the occasion, led a lively Barcelona attack against Thibaut Courtois’ goal. The Catalans, having already won the previous two Clasicos this season, dominated possession early on and deservedly went ahead in the 28th minute.
After a smart interception by Pau Cubarsi in his half, Pedri initiated a sweeping move, feeding Yamal on the right. The teenager cut inside and waited for Pedri to arrive, allowing the midfielder to curl a stunning strike into the top corner.
The goal sparked Madrid into life, and Mbappe soon began warming up on the touchline. Jude Bellingham had a goal disallowed for offside, and Vinicius Junior was denied a penalty after being fouled following an offside in the build-up.
Barcelona came close to doubling their lead when Dani Olmo’s corner bounced off the far post, but Pau Cubarsi was prevented from tapping in as Dani Ceballos impeded him.
Madrid introduced Mbappe at half-time, and the Frenchman began troubling Barcelona’s goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny alongside Vinicius Junior.
Mbappe dragged Madrid level in the 70th minute, winning a free-kick on the edge of the area and then smashing it in off the post. Moments later, Tchouameni headed home from Arda Guler’s corner to complete Madrid’s turnaround.
However, Barcelona showed resilience. Yamal delivered a sublime ball over the top for Torres, who nipped in ahead of both Rudiger and Courtois to slot the ball home.
Tempers flared late on, with Barcelona appealing for a penalty after Rudiger appeared to foul Torres, and then being awarded a spot-kick after Raphinha went down. Yet, following a VAR review, the decision was overturned.
In extra-time, Barcelona took control. Their pressure was finally rewarded when Kounde intercepted a rare loose pass from Luka Modric and fired a low drive beyond Courtois, sparking wild celebrations among the Blaugrana fans.
The chaotic ending, with Rudiger’s red card and Madrid’s ongoing grievances with the refereeing, suggests the fallout from this fiery Clasico will continue, especially with the two sides due to meet again in La Liga in May, in a clash that could yet decide the title.
