Barcelona Edge Real Madrid in Copa del Rey Thriller After Extra-Time Drama
In a match that had it all—drama, stunning goals, and a late twist, FC Barcelona edged out arch-rivals Real Madrid 3-2 in extra time to claim the Copa del Rey title in a breathtaking final.
The Catalan giants dominated the first half and could have easily led 3-0 or 4-0 before the break. However, they managed to convert only once, courtesy of a sensational long-range strike from Pedri, who curled the ball past Thibaut Courtois into the top corner.
But wastefulness in front of goal would come back to haunt them. After the interval, it was the turn of Kylian Mbappé—introduced at halftime—to shift the momentum. The French superstar equalized with a rocket of a free-kick, and just seven minutes later Aurélien Tchouaméni headed home a pinpoint cross from Arda Güler, putting Los Blancos ahead.
Shaken but not broken, Barcelona clawed their way back into the match. The spark came from Lamine Yamal, whose clever through ball forced a mix-up between Courtois and his backline. Ferran Torres was alert and slotted the ball into an empty net to make it 2-2.
Hansi Flick's men thought they had the chance to seal the win in added time when the referee initially awarded a penalty—but after a VAR review, the decision was overturned.
The decisive moment came in the 116th minute. Jules Koundé rifled a low drive past Courtois to spark jubilation on the Barcelona bench - it was a goal worthy of winning any final—and it did just that.
2024-25, Spain - Copa del Rey
Barcelona - Real 3:2 (1:0)
Goals: Pedri, 28 (1:0); Mbappé, 70 (1:1); Tchouaméni, 77 (1:2); Torres F., 84 (2:2); Kounde, 116 (3:2)
Barcelona: Szczesny; Cubarsí; Martinez In.; Kounde; Martín (Araujo R., 85); de Jong F. (Gavi, 85); Olmo (Fermin, 65); Raphinha; Yamal; Torres F. (Pau Victor, 115); Pedri (Garcia E., 98)
Bench: ter Stegen; Peña I.; Christensen A.; Fort H.; Torre P.; Fati An.
Yellow Cards: Martín 37; de Jong F. 68; Fermin 90; Raphinha 90
Real: Courtois; Rudiger (Endrick, 111); Mendy Fe. (García Fr., 11); Asencio R.; Tchouaméni; Vazquez L. (Modric, 55); Dani Ceballos (Güler A., 55); Bellingham; Valverde F.; Vinícius Júnior (Diaz Br., 89); Rodrygo (Mbappé, 46)
Bench: Lunin Andriy; Gonzalez Fran; Alaba; Vallejo
Yellow Cards: Tchouaméni 31; Modric 90; Bellingham 107
Red cards: Rudiger 120', Vazquez L. 120'
