Barcelona continues their quest for the treble with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Real Madrid in an unforgettable Copa del Rey final.
Before the match, there were talks of Madrid boycotting the final due to disagreements with the referee and VAR official. The game itself was filled with controversial decisions, adding to the drama of the showdown in Seville.
Barcelona took the lead with a spectacular long-range goal from Pedri. However, the tide turned in Madrid’s favor with the introduction of Kylian Mbappe, who equalized with a free-kick in the 70th minute. Aurelien Tchouameni then put Madrid ahead, only for Ferran Torres to level the score with a composed finish late in the game.
The referee, Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, took center stage in the 96th minute when he initially awarded a penalty to Barcelona after Raphinha was brought down by Raul Asencio. However, after a VAR review, the decision was overturned.
Barcelona secured their 32nd Copa del Rey title with a dramatic 116th-minute winner from Jules Kounde, ensuring the match would not be decided by penalties. The final moments were marred by the sending off of Madrid’s Antonio Rudiger and Lucas Vazquez for unsportsmanlike behavior towards the referee.
THE COPA IS OURS! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/WLcjstoG6y
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 26, 2025
Barcelona vs. Real Madrid
Barcelona forced Thibaut Courtois into a crucial save in the 21st minute, with Kounde’s header hitting the woodwork after a well-executed set-piece. Pedri then opened the scoring with a sublime strike following a swift counter-attack.
Mbappe’s introduction in the second half provided Madrid with the attacking spark they needed. He was pivotal in Madrid’s comeback, first scoring from a free-kick and then setting up Tchouameni for the lead.
However, Barcelona fought back, with Torres equalizing in style after a brilliant assist from Yamal. The match took another twist when a penalty awarded to Barcelona was overturned after a VAR review.
In extra time, Barcelona dominated play, and Kounde’s powerful shot sealed the victory. The game ended on a sour note with the dismissals of Rudiger and Vazquez for their behavior towards the referee.