Barcelona Triumph Over Real Madrid in Dramatic Copa del Rey Final
By IDNN Sports Desk
Published April 27, 2025
Barcelona lifted the Copa del Rey trophy after defeating Real Madrid 3-2 in a thrilling clásico final at Estadio La Cartuja, a contest that swung wildly and ended with Madrid’s fury boiling over into three red cards.
Jules Koundé sealed Barcelona’s triumph with an extra-time winner deep into the night in Seville, sending the Catalan fans into jubilation and sparking emotional scenes as fireworks lit the Andalusian sky.
Madrid, who had rallied from a goal down to lead, were left devastated, culminating in chaotic closing scenes that saw Lucas Vázquez, Antonio Rüdiger, and Jude Bellingham sent off after the final whistle. Rüdiger had to be restrained as tempers exploded.
An Epic Final of Shifting Fortunes
The clásico final—the first in the Copa del Rey for 11 years—was an instant classic.
Pedri opened the scoring for Barcelona in the 28th minute, expertly finishing a move created by teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. Barcelona dominated the first half, pressing aggressively and controlling possession.
But Madrid, galvanized by the introduction of Kylian Mbappé after the break, turned the tide. Mbappé equalized with a superbly taken free-kick in the 70th minute before Aurélien Tchouaméni’s header completed the turnaround minutes later.
Barcelona, however, refused to wilt. Ferran Torres latched onto Yamal’s exquisite through ball to level the match at 2-2 with six minutes left, forcing extra time after late drama involving VAR.
Late Penalty Drama and VAR Intervention
In the dying seconds of normal time, Barcelona thought they had won a penalty when Raphinha went down under a challenge from Raúl Asencio. Referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, who had faced intense pressure after Madrid’s pre-match criticisms of officiating standards, initially pointed to the spot.
However, following a prolonged VAR review by Pablo González Fuertes—who had also been involved in a tense pre-match media conference—the decision was overturned, setting the stage for an electrifying extra-time period.
Koundé’s Moment of Glory
In extra time, both sides pushed for a winner amid rising fatigue and intensity. Luka Modric’s misplaced pass gifted Barcelona possession, and Koundé stepped up, blasting a fierce shot past Thibaut Courtois in the 116th minute to win it for Barcelona.
Madrid’s frustrations boiled over immediately after the final whistle. Lucas Vázquez was dismissed for dissent, Rüdiger had to be physically restrained, and Bellingham was also shown a red card as emotions spiraled out of control.
A Final That Defined the Competition
The clash in Seville showcased the best and worst of Spanish football: breathtaking skill, fierce rivalry, and tempestuous scenes.
Barcelona’s win may ignite a treble dream, while Madrid now face the grim possibility of ending the season without a major trophy.
For Barcelona, the night was one of redemption, resilience, and ultimate reward. For Madrid, it was a painful reminder that, in football, the line between glory and despair is often just a single moment.
