Barcelona claimed a dramatic 3-2 victory over Real Madrid after extra time in the 2025 Copa del Rey final on Saturday night, with Jules Koundé’s late strike sealing a memorable win at La Cartuja Stadium.
In a pulsating Clasico clash, Pedri opened the scoring for the Catalan giants, but Real Madrid hit back in the second half with quickfire goals from Kylian Mbappé and Aurélien Tchouaméni. Ferran Torres equalized late to force extra time, before Koundé struck the decisive blow for Hansi Flick’s side, handing the German coach his first major trophy in charge and extending Barça’s record to 32 Spanish Cup titles.
Barcelona, chasing a historic quadruple this season, dominated much of the first half. Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal dazzled down the right wing, setting up opportunities and troubling the Madrid defense. The breakthrough came in the 28th minute when Pedri rifled a stunning strike into the top corner after a clever build-up starting from young defender Pau Cubarsí.
Madrid, hampered early by injuries and starting top scorer Mbappé on the bench due to an ankle knock, struggled to impose themselves. Coach Carlo Ancelotti was forced into an early change with Fran García replacing Ferland Mendy.
The defending European and Spanish champions improved after the break, especially following the introduction of Mbappé. The French superstar leveled the score in the 70th minute, curling home a free-kick off the post. Moments later, Tchouaméni headed in Arda Güler’s corner to put Madrid ahead.
But Barcelona weren’t done. In the 84th minute, Yamal’s precise lofted pass found Torres, who beat Antonio Rüdiger and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to slot home the equalizer.
The match descended into controversy in stoppage time when Barcelona were initially awarded a penalty after Raphinha went down under pressure from Raúl Asencio, only for VAR to intervene and overturn the decision.
In extra time, Barcelona pushed for a winner. The decisive moment came when veteran Luka Modrić misplaced a pass, and Koundé pounced, firing low past Courtois from distance.
Tempers flared late as Rüdiger, already substituted, was sent off for appearing to throw an object toward the referee. Lucas Vázquez also received a red card for dissent as Madrid’s frustrations boiled over.
Speaking after the final whistle, Flick praised his players’ resilience: “They can celebrate tonight — but we stay focused. The Champions League semifinals await.”
With this result, Barcelona have now won three consecutive Clasicos this season, scoring 12 goals in the process. The two fierce rivals are set to meet again in a decisive La Liga clash in May, which could ultimately determine the title race.
