SEVILLE, April 27, 2025 – In a spectacular showdown that will be remembered for years to come, Barcelona edged out Real Madrid 3-2 after extra time to lift the Copa del Rey trophy, reclaiming the title for the first time since 2021. The final, held at the Olympic Stadium in Seville, was an electric display of football, filled with drama, twists, and moments of brilliance.

An Encounter Worthy of a Final

From the get-go, the match set the tone for an epic clash between two archrivals. Barcelona started brightly, dominating possession and creating multiple chances. The Blaugrana were the aggressors early in the first half, testing Real Madrid’s defense with efforts from Ferran Torres and Jules Koundé.

The opening goal came in the 28th minute when Pedri, the mastermind in midfield, found space in the box and unleashed a stunning strike into the top corner, sending the Catalan fans into a frenzy with a magnificent 1-0 lead.

Despite their struggles, Real Madrid managed to rally, with Jude Bellingham having a goal ruled out for offside. The pressure was mounting for both teams, leading to an electrifying atmosphere as they went into halftime with Barcelona ahead.

Real Madrid’s Resurgence

After the break, Real looked a different side, making a tactical shift with the introduction of Kylian Mbappé, who replaced the underwhelming Rodrygo. Their persistence paid off in the 70th minute when Mbappé scored a superb free-kick, leveling the match at 1-1. The French forward’s spectacular strike was a true testament to his skill, marking his first career free-kick goal.

But just as it seemed Madrid had grasped control, they suffered a sudden reversal. A beautifully executed corner by the ever-so-important Arda Güler found Aurélien Tchouaméni, who headed home to make it 2-1 for Real Madrid, sending their supporters into ecstasy.

Barcelona’s Determination Shines

Against all odds, Barcelona dug deep. With the clock ticking, a frantic sequence led to a goal from Ferran Torres, who capitalized on a defensive error to equalize at 2-2. The goal was a crucial lifeline for the Catalans as they sought revenge against their historic rivals.

As tensions rose, the latter stages saw controversial moments, including a penalty shout for foul on Raphinha which was rightly overturned after a VAR check. The match headed into extra time, and it was evident that neither team wanted to settle for penalties.

The Decisive Moment

In extra time’s heated battle, it was Koundé who stole the spotlight. Capitalizing on a misplaced pass from Luka Modrić, he took a measured shot from outside the box, catching Courtois off-guard to score the decisive 3-2 goal in the 116th minute.

Mayhem at the Finish

The conclusion of the match erupted into chaos. An emotional Antonio Rüdiger, upset with officiating decisions, was sent off after throwing an object towards the referee, illustrating just how heated and passionate this rivalry can become.

A Historic Triumph

This victory represents Barcelona’s 32nd Copa del Rey title, reviving dreams of a third treble, following their successes in 2009 and 2015. As the players celebrated with the trophy, the significance of the win was not lost on them—this was not just a title but a redemption for their journey this season.

With this Copa del Rey triumph, Barcelona not only claimed silverware but also gained momentum in their pursuit of further glory. Meanwhile, Real Madrid faces a crucial moment in La Liga, needing to bounce back to compete for the title in the weeks ahead.

This final was a celebration of football, rivalries, and the rich history of these legendary clubs. A match that had it all—skill, passion, and that eternal quest for glory.

Watch the highlights of the match and the trophy presentation below:

The Teams’ Lineups:

Barcelona (Hansi Flick):
Wojciech Szczęsny; Koundé, Kumbarsky, Iñigo Martínez, Gerard Martín; Pedri (Erik García, 98′), De Jong; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo (Fermín López, 65′), Raphinha; Ferran Torres (Pau Víctor, 115′).

Real Madrid (Carlo Ancelotti):
Thibaut Courtois; Lucas Vázquez (Modrić, 55′), Asensio, Rüdiger (Éndrik, 110′), Mendy (Fran García, 11′ l.t.); Tchouaméni, Valverde; Rodrygo (Mbappé, 46′), Bellingham, Dani Ceballos (Güler, 55′); Vinícius Júnior (Brahim Díaz, 89′).

Final Score: Barcelona 3 – 2 Real Madrid