Barcelona claimed their first major silverware under new coach Hansi Flick in stunning fashion on Saturday night, defeating fierce rivals Real Madrid 3-2 after extra time in a pulsating Copa del Rey final in Seville. Defender Jules Kounde was the hero, smashing home a decisive goal in the 118th minute to seal a dramatic Clasico victory.
The win marked Barcelona’s record-extending 32nd Copa del Rey triumph, adding further prestige to Flick’s burgeoning reign. The Catalans, chasing a historic quadruple this season, had already beaten Real Madrid twice before this campaign, and Saturday’s result capped a hat-trick of Clasico victories that will live long in the memory of their fans.
Pedri and Mbappe Spark Early Drama
The final was played at a frenetic pace from the outset, with Barcelona seizing the early initiative. Midfield maestro Pedri broke the deadlock midway through the first half, unleashing a sensational strike from outside the box that left Thibaut Courtois with no chance. The goal sparked wild celebrations among the Catalan faithful and set the tone for a fiercely competitive encounter.
Real Madrid, stung by their sluggish first-half showing, responded after the break. Carlo Ancelotti turned to his bench, introducing the talismanic Kylian Mbappe and the experienced Luka Modric. Mbappe, who showed no signs of the ankle injury that had troubled him in recent weeks, immediately injected pace and menace into Real’s attack, eventually leveling the match with a superb free-kick.
Real Madrid’s Rapid Turnaround and Barcelona’s Response
Real Madrid’s momentum continued as Aurelien Tchouameni rose highest to head home Modric’s pinpoint corner, flipping the game on its head within minutes. The once-comfortable Barcelona found themselves rattled, with white ribbons seemingly poised to be tied around the trophy.
Yet Barcelona refused to buckle. Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal delivered a moment of magic, lofting an exquisite ball over the Real defense to find Ferran Torres. As Courtois hesitated fatally, Torres capitalized, slotting into an empty net to send the tie into extra time. The goal rejuvenated Barcelona’s spirit and set the stage for a grandstand finish.
Extra-Time Tension and Kounde’s Decisive Strike
Extra time began cagily, with both sides appearing wary of committing too much forward in fear of a counterattack. The first 15 minutes passed with little clear-cut opportunity, and a penalty shootout seemed an inevitable conclusion.
However, deep into the second period of extra time, Jules Kounde seized his moment. Picking up a loose ball 25 yards out, the French defender drove a low, fierce shot that arrowed into the bottom corner, beyond the despairing dive of Courtois. With barely any time remaining, Real Madrid had no chance to mount another comeback, and Barcelona’s bench erupted in celebration.
Tempers Flare as Barcelona Celebrate Memorable Triumph
The final minutes were marred by unsavory scenes as Real Madrid’s Antonio Rudiger, incensed at perceived injustices, launched ice packs at referee Ricardo de Burgos, earning himself a red card. But the dismissal did little to spoil Barcelona’s party, as Flick’s men held on to secure the trophy.
Barcelona’s players and fans celebrated wildly at the final whistle, knowing they had claimed not only a trophy but a psychological triumph over their greatest rivals. As the Blaugrana reveled deep into the night in Seville, they also set their sights firmly on completing an unforgettable quadruple, buoyed by a performance that blended grit, resilience, and moments of pure brilliance.
