In a pulsating Copa del Rey final that will be etched into football history, Barcelona emerged victorious with a breathtaking 3-2 win over arch-rivals Real Madrid after extra time, securing their first Copa del Rey title against Los Blancos since 1990. The match, played under the vibrant Sevilla sky, was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing moments of brilliance, costly errors, and the rise of a new generation of Blaugrana stars.
A Finale for the Ages
The match began with high intensity, both teams trading blows in a packed Estadio La Cartuja, where over 60,000 fans created an electric atmosphere. Barcelona, led by coach Hansi Flick, displayed a blend of tactical discipline and youthful exuberance, while Real Madrid, under Carlo Ancelotti, leaned on their star-studded lineup to counter.
The breakthrough came in the 34th minute when 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal, sporting a bold blonde hairstyle reminiscent of Neymar, danced past Real Madrid’s Ferland Mendy on the right flank. His inch-perfect cross found Pedri, who calmly slotted the ball past Thibaut Courtois to give Barcelona a 1-0 lead. The Blaugrana faithful erupted, sensing a historic night.
Real Madrid responded in the second half, equalizing through a clinical finish from Vinícius Júnior in the 62nd minute, capitalizing on a rare lapse in Barcelona’s defense. The momentum swung back and forth, with both sides creating chances but failing to convert until extra time loomed.
Extra-Time Drama and Koundé’s Moment of Glory
In extra time, Barcelona regained the lead in the 103rd minute. Lamine Yamal, relentless in his attacking flair, delivered a pinpoint through-ball to Ferran Torres, who rifled a low shot into the bottom corner, sending the Barça bench into a frenzy. However, Real Madrid refused to surrender, with substitute Kylian Mbappé leveling the score in the 110th minute. Mbappé, who had been surprisingly benched at the start, showcased his world-class talent by outpacing Pau Cubarsí and curling a stunning shot past Marc-André ter Stegen.
As the match seemed destined for a penalty shootout, a moment of magic—or rather, a moment of misfortune for Real Madrid—decided the outcome. In the 116th minute, Luka Modrić, typically a maestro in midfield, miscontrolled a pass under pressure from Gavi. The loose ball fell to Jules Koundé, who surged forward and unleashed a thunderous 20-yard strike that rocketed past Courtois into the top corner. The stadium shook as Koundé sprinted to the corner flag, joined by his teammates in a jubilant pile-on.
The Young Stars Who Stole the Show
While Koundé’s goal sealed his place in Barcelona lore, the performances of Pau Cubarsí and Lamine Yamal were equally pivotal. At just 18, Cubarsí delivered a masterclass in central defense, neutralizing the threats of Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham with remarkable poise. His perfectly timed tackles and intelligent positioning earned him comparisons to club legend Carles Puyol.
Lamine Yamal, meanwhile, was a constant menace on the right wing. His two assists—for Pedri’s opener and Torres’ extra-time strike—demonstrated his vision and composure under pressure. The teenager’s fearless dribbling and flair drew gasps from the crowd, marking him as the heir to Barcelona’s tradition of dazzling wingers.
Mbappé’s Impact Falls Short
For Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappé’s second-half introduction injected life into their attack. The French superstar, who broke Cristiano Ronaldo’s debut-season scoring record earlier in 2025, nearly turned the tide with his goal and relentless runs. However, even his brilliance couldn’t overcome Barcelona’s resilience and the costly errors that plagued Madrid’s performance.
A New Dawn Under Hansi Flick
This victory marks Barcelona’s second trophy under Hansi Flick, who has revitalized the club since taking charge. The German tactician’s emphasis on youth development and high-pressing football has paid dividends, with this win marking Barcelona’s third consecutive Clásico victory in the 2024-25 season. For a club that has faced financial and competitive challenges in recent years, this triumph signals the dawn of a new era.
Thirty-five years ago, Johan Cruyff’s Barcelona defeated Real Madrid in the 1990 Copa del Rey, sparking a golden age for the club. As the Blaugrana lifted the trophy under the Sevilla moonlight, parallels to that iconic era were impossible to ignore. With talents like Yamal, Cubarsí, and Koundé leading the charge, Barcelona’s future looks brighter than ever.
Final Score
Barcelona 3 – 2 Real Madrid (After Extra Time)
Goals:
- Pedri (34’, assisted by Lamine Yamal)
- Ferran Torres (103’, assisted by Lamine Yamal)
- Jules Koundé (116’)
- Vinícius Júnior (62’)
- Kylian Mbappé (110’)
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