Barcelona Clinch 32nd Copa del Rey with Dramatic 3-2 Victory Over Real Madrid
In a thrilling Copa del Rey final held on April 26, 2025, at Estadio La Cartuja in Seville, FC Barcelona emerged victorious over Real Madrid with a 3-2 win after extra time. This triumph marks Barcelona’s 32nd Copa del Rey title, solidifying their dominance in Spanish football.
First Half: Early Lead for Barcelona
The match commenced with high intensity, and Barcelona took control early on. In the 28th minute, Pedri opened the scoring with a stunning long-range goal, assisted by Lamine Yamal. This early strike set the tone for an exciting encounter.
Second Half: Real Madrid’s Comeback
Real Madrid responded strongly in the second half. Kylian Mbappé, making a significant impact since his introduction, scored a remarkable free-kick in the 70th minute, marking his 32nd goal of the season. Just five minutes later, Aurélien Tchouaméni capitalized on a defensive lapse to give Madrid a 2-1 lead.
Late Equalizer and Extra Time Drama
Barcelona refused to back down. In the 84th minute, Ferran Torres leveled the score at 2-2, sending the match into extra time. With penalties looming, Jules Koundé seized the moment in the 116th minute, scoring the decisive goal following a defensive error by Brahim Díaz and a misjudged clearance by goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. This goal secured Barcelona’s victory and the coveted Copa del Rey trophy.
Controversial Moments and Refereeing Decisions
The final was marked by several contentious refereeing decisions. Notably, Frenkie de Jong’s foul on Vinícius Júnior in the first half sparked debate, with many believing it warranted a red card. However, referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea issued only a yellow card, a decision supported by analyst Iturralde González, who cited defensive cover as a mitigating factor. Additionally, a penalty appeal for a tackle on Ferran Torres was denied, and a late penalty awarded to Barcelona for a Raphinha fall was overturned after VAR review, citing simulation. These decisions fueled post-match controversies and discussions.
Implications for Both Clubs
This victory not only adds to Barcelona’s illustrious history but also keeps their hopes alive for a potential treble this season under manager Hansi Flick. Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s focus shifts to securing the LaLiga title, where they trail Barcelona by four points with five matches remaining.
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