FC Barcelona clinched their 32nd Copa del Rey title on Saturday night after a hard-fought 3-2 victory against their fierce rivals, Real Madrid, at Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville.
The final, marked by tension and controversy even before kick-off, saw Real Madrid expressing concerns over the officiating team led by Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea and assistant referee Pablo González Fuertes. However, their protest was dismissed by the Spanish Football Federation, emphasizing that refereeing assignments could not be influenced by the participating teams.
The match started at a slow pace, with neither side showing much attacking urgency. Barcelona, however, dominated possession and threatened early, recording three shots and two corners within the first 20 minutes.
Barcelona’s breakthrough came in the 27th minute, when young star Lamine Yamal orchestrated a brilliant move, setting up Pedri just outside the penalty box. Pedri made no mistake, firing the ball into the back of the net to give Barça a 1-0 lead.
The first half ended with Barcelona holding onto their narrow advantage. At the break, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti made significant changes, bringing on Fran GarcÃa and Kylian Mbappé for Ferland Mendy and Rodrygo, respectively.
Mbappé’s entrance immediately energized Madrid’s attack, with the French superstar creating multiple chances and testing Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny.
Madrid’s persistence paid off in the 69th minute when Mbappé leveled the score with a stunning free-kick following a foul just outside the box. Buoyed by the equalizer, Real Madrid pushed harder and took the lead seven minutes later through Aurelien Tchouaméni, whose powerful strike found the back of the net.
However, their celebrations were short-lived. In the 84th minute, Ferran Torres capitalized on a defensive lapse to draw Barcelona level once again, forcing the match into extra time.
The decisive moment came during the extra period when Jules Koundé scored the winning goal for Barcelona, sealing a memorable 3-2 triumph and securing their 32nd Copa del Rey title.
The final ended in controversy as frustrated Real Madrid players clashed with the referee, leading to red cards for Lucas Vázquez and Antonio Rüdiger following heated protests.
Barcelona’s victory not only adds to their illustrious trophy cabinet but also reasserts their dominance in Spanish football’s historic rivalry.
