Seville, April 27, 2025 — In a pulsating El Clásico showdown at the Estadio La Cartuja, FC Barcelona clinched their 32nd Copa del Rey title, edging ou
Seville, April 27, 2025 — In a pulsating El Clásico showdown at the Estadio La Cartuja, FC Barcelona clinched their 32nd Copa del Rey title, edging out arch-rivals Real Madrid 3-2 in extra time. A dramatic strike from defender Jules Koundé in the 116th minute sealed a historic victory, marking Barcelona’s first step toward a potential treble under coach Hansi Flick.
A Match for the Ages
The Copa del Rey Final lived up to its billing as one of the most anticipated fixtures of the 2024/25 season. With both teams locked in a fierce LaLiga title race and Barcelona chasing a treble, the stakes were sky-high. The match, played before a fervent crowd in Seville, was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing the intensity and quality that define El Clásico.
Barcelona struck first in the 28th minute when midfielder Pedri González unleashed a stunning long-range effort to give the Blaugrana the lead. Real Madrid, however, responded in the second half, with substitute Kylian Mbappé leveling the score in the 70th minute via a expertly taken free kick. The momentum swung further in Madrid’s favor when Aurélien Tchouaméni headed home in the 82nd minute, putting Real Madrid ahead 2-1.
Just when Real Madrid seemed poised to claim the trophy, Barcelona’s Ferran Torres equalized in the dying moments of regular time, forcing extra time. Both sides battled exhaustion, but it was Barcelona’s Koundé who delivered the decisive blow, driving a low shot from outside the box in the 116th minute to secure a 3-2 victory. The goal sparked wild celebrations among Barcelona fans and players alike, with goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen and defender Ronald Araújo hoisting the trophy in triumph.
Key Moments and Controversies
The match was not without its share of drama. Real Madrid faced scrutiny for their pre-match boycott of activities, prompted by a controversial news conference from referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, who criticized the club’s in-house TV channel for targeting officials. Tensions spilled onto the pitch, with Real Madrid’s Antonio Rüdiger receiving a red card in extra time for a heated altercation. Despite protests from Real Madrid players and fans, Barcelona’s resilience and tactical discipline under Flick proved decisive.
Hansi Flick, who has transformed Barcelona since taking the helm, praised his team’s fighting spirit. “This win is absolutely incredible. The players showed heart and quality to come back against a great team. It’s a huge step for us,” Flick said post-match.
Barcelona’s Road to Glory
This Copa del Rey triumph marks Barcelona’s 32nd title in the competition, extending their record as the most successful club in its history. The victory is particularly significant given Barcelona’s dominant form this season, having already secured the Spanish Super Cup and maintaining a four-point lead over Real Madrid in LaLiga. With a UEFA Champions League semifinal against Inter Milan on the horizon, Barcelona are firmly in contention for a historic treble.
For Real Madrid, the defeat is a bitter pill, especially after their Champions League exit against Arsenal. Despite their storied history in Copa del Rey finals, having won four of seven against Barcelona, Los Blancos fell short in this epic encounter. Fans on X expressed mixed sentiments, with some praising Barcelona’s deserved victory while others questioned Real Madrid’s tactics and referee decisions.
Looking Ahead
The Copa del Rey Final not only crowned Barcelona as champions but also set the stage for another El Clásico in LaLiga on May 11 at Montjuïc. With both teams in top form, the rivalry promises more thrilling chapters this season. For now, Barcelona fans will savor this hard-fought victory, as their team continues to redefine its legacy under Flick’s guidance.
As Barcelona celebrates their 32nd Copa del Rey title, the football world is left in awe of a match that encapsulated the passion, drama, and brilliance of El Clásico. This triumph will be remembered as one of the greatest in Barcelona’s storied history, with Koundé’s late heroics etching his name into Blaugrana folklore.
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