In a pulsating Copa del Rey final at Seville’s La Cartuja Stadium, Barcelona’s Jules Koundé unleashed a stunning low strike deep in extra time to secure a 3-2 victory over arch-rivals Real Madrid, clinching the club’s record-extending 32nd Spanish Cup.
The electrifying Clasico, a rollercoaster of brilliance, resilience, and controversy, marked the first major trophy of Hansi Flick’s tenure as coach and underscored Barcelona’s remarkable resurgence under President Joan Laporta. With goals from Pedri, Ferran Torres, and Koundé, and a dazzling display from 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, Barcelona completed a season sweep of Real Madrid, having already humbled the Spanish and European champions in La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup.
The victory, punctuated by a late red card to Madrid’s Antonio Rudiger for allegedly throwing an object at the referee, not only reaffirmed Barcelona’s dominance but also highlighted their recovery from the financial and competitive abyss that once saw icon Lionel Messi depart. As the Catalans chase a historic triple, this triumph signals a new golden era for the La Liga leaders.
A Season of Clasico Supremacy
Barcelona’s Copa del Rey triumph caps a season of utter dominance over Real Madrid, with the Catalans winning all three Clasicos in 2024-25, scoring nine goals across the Spanish Super Cup, La Liga, and now the cup final. The campaign began with a commanding 3-1 victory in the Spanish Super Cup final in January 2025, where Robert Lewandowski, Pedri, and Yamal tore through Madrid’s defense, exposing frailties despite the presence of stars like Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior. A 4-0 LaLiga rout at the Santiago Bernabéu in October 2024 followed, with Flick’s high-pressing system overwhelming Carlo Ancelotti’s side, as Yamal and Raphinha ran riot.
The Copa del Rey final, played before a frenzied crowd on Saturday, was a microcosm of Barcelona’s season-long edge. Flick’s side, leading La Liga and eyeing the Champions League, and Super Cup—controlled possession and dictated the tempo with a midfield trio of Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, and Dani Olmo. Yamal, who dyed his hair blond for the occasion, was a constant menace, shredding Madrid’s defense with his pace and vision.
Real Madrid, hampered by injuries and tactical missteps, suffered an early blow when left-back Ferland Mendy, back after six weeks out, limped off with a thigh injury. Ancelotti’s substitute, Fran García, was tasked with containing Yamal but was repeatedly outmaneuvered, as Barcelona peppered Thibaut Courtois’ goal.
Barcelona struck first in the 28th minute through a moment of sheer brilliance. Young defender Pau Cubarsí, a revelation at 18, intercepted a Madrid pass in his own half and launched a swift counter. Pedri, orchestrating the play, spread the ball to Yamal on the right. The teenager cut inside, held possession with poise beyond his years, and laid off to Pedri, who rifled a precise, powerful shot into the top corner from the edge of the box. The goal, a blend of defensive nous, midfield artistry, and attacking flair, encapsulated Barcelona’s revitalized identity under Flick.
Madrid, initially cautious, were jolted into action but squandered chances. Jude Bellingham’s superb finish was ruled offside, and Vinícius Júnior’s penalty appeal was dismissed after an offside call. Barcelona nearly doubled their lead when Olmo’s corner struck the far post, with Cubarsí unable to convert as Dani Ceballos held him back—a non-call that stirred controversy. Referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, already under scrutiny after Madrid’s pre-match complaints about his remarks on their television channel, showed leniency with Madrid’s aggressive tackles, heightening tensions.
Ancelotti rolled the dice at halftime, introducing Mbappé, benched due to a recent ankle injury, for Rodrygo Goes. The Frenchman’s arrival shifted the game’s momentum, as Madrid tested Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szcz?sny with Vinícius and Mbappé combining menacingly. Mbappé equalized in the 70th minute, surging forward and winning a free-kick after a Frenkie de Jong foul. His low strike clipped the post and beat Szcz?sny, igniting Madrid’s comeback. Seven minutes later, Aurélien Tchouaméni headed in Arda Güler’s corner, exploiting a rare lapse in Barcelona’s defense to give Madrid a 2-1 lead.
Barcelona responded emphatically in the 84th minute when Yamal delivered a sublime over-the-top pass to Ferran Torres, who outran Rudiger and outwitted Courtois to roll the ball into an empty net. The goal, forced extra time, setting the stage for Koundé’s heroics.
Controversy and Koundé’s Clincher
The final minutes of regulation were fraught with controversy. Barcelona demanded a penalty when Rudiger appeared to foul Torres, but the call was waved off. In stoppage time, a penalty awarded for Raphinha’s fall under Raúl Asencio’s challenge was overturned after VAR review, with Raphinha booked for diving—a decision that incensed the Barcelona bench and sparked heated exchanges. The officiating, already a flashpoint after Madrid’s pre-match criticism, fueled post-game recriminations.
In extra time, Koundé, a defensive rock throughout, seized his moment in the 108th minute. Intercepting a wayward pass from Luka Modri?, the Frenchman surged forward and unleashed a low, rocket-like shot from outside the box that beat Courtois at his near post. The strike sent La Cartuja into ecstasy and sealed Barcelona’s triumph.
Barca’s Back to Life
The Copa del Rey victory is more than a trophy; it’s a testament to Barcelona’s remarkable recovery from a dark period that saw the club teetering on the brink of collapse. In 2021, financial mismanagement and a €1.35 billion debt forced the departure of Lionel Messi, the club’s greatest-ever player, to Paris Saint-Germain, a gut-wrenching blow that symbolized Barcelona’s fall from grace. On the pitch, the team languished, exiting the Champions League group stage and struggling in La Liga. Off it, a bloated wage bill and questionable transfer decisions threatened insolvency.
Enter Joan Laporta, re-elected as president in March 2021 after a previous stint from 2003 to 2010. Laporta inherited a club in chaos but swiftly implemented a bold revamp. He secured €1.5 billion in financial levers by selling future TV rights and stakes in Barça Studios, stabilizing the club’s finances. He slashed the wage bill by offloading high-earners like Antoine Griezmann and negotiated cost-effective signings like Lewandowski and Koundé.
La Liga’s strict financial fair play rules forced creativity, but Laporta’s gamble on youth—promoting talents like Yamal, Cubarsí, and Gavi from La Masia—paid dividends. The appointment of Flick, a Champions League-winning coach with Bayern Munich, brought tactical rigor, transforming Barcelona into a high-pressing, attacking force.
Laporta’s vision extended beyond the pitch. He restored fan pride with symbolic moves, like renovating Camp Nou and rebuilding the club’s global brand. The 2022-23 La Liga title, Barcelona’s first since 2019, marked a turning point, followed by this season’s Clasico dominance and cup success.
The Copa del Rey, Barcelona’s 32nd, extends their record in the competition and reaffirms their status as Spain’s preeminent club.
