Real Madrid vs Barcelona Clasico - Copa del Rey
El Clásico 2025: Barcelona Defeats Real Madrid in Copa del Rey Thriller
Barcelona Seals 32nd Copa del Rey Title in Epic Clásico Clash
In a breathtaking Copa del Rey final at Seville’s Estadio La Cartuja, FC Barcelona triumphed over arch-rivals Real Madrid with a 3-2 win after extra time. This historic fixture marked the 260th competitive encounter between the two sides and their first final meeting in this competition since 2014.
Opening Half: Barcelona Takes Early Initiative
Barcelona, led by manager Hansi Flick, began with intensity and quick transitions. The opener came courtesy of Pedri, who initiated a counterattack from deep, played a one-two with Lamine Yamal, and fired a stunning strike from outside the area past Thibaut Courtois to give Barcelona a 1-0 lead.
Second Half: Madrid Fights Back
Real Madrid returned after halftime with renewed purpose, especially following the introduction of Kylian Mbappé. The French superstar leveled the score with a brilliant free-kick, his first goal for Madrid from such a set piece. Momentum shifted further when Aurélien Tchouaméni headed home a second, giving Madrid a 2-1 advantage.
Late Equalizer Forces Extra Time
As the game neared its conclusion, Barcelona surged forward. In the 85th minute, Ferran Torres capitalized on a defensive error to score the equalizer, sending the clash into extra time. His decisive performance earned him the Man of the Match award.
Extra Time Drama: Koundé Clinches Victory
The extra period was filled with tension and controversy. Barcelona's Raphinha was initially awarded a penalty, only for VAR to overturn it and caution him for simulation. Moments later, Madrid appealed for a spot kick after Mbappé went down, but VAR ruled offside in the buildup. The breakthrough came in the 116th minute when Jules Koundé intercepted a Luka Modrić pass and slotted home the winner.
Reactions and Aftermath
The final whistle brought intense emotion. Real Madrid's Antonio Rüdiger was sent off from the bench for dissent. Carlo Ancelotti expressed disappointment but urged focus on La Liga, where Madrid now trails Barcelona by four points with five matches remaining. Barcelona’s win not only delivers their 32nd Copa del Rey title but also keeps their treble hopes alive after winning the Supercopa earlier this year.
Flick vs Ancelotti: A Tactical Chess Match
Hansi Flick’s aggressive, high-pressing setup gave Barcelona the early edge, while Ancelotti’s second-half changes—particularly the inclusion of Mbappé and Camavinga—almost reversed the outcome. In the end, Flick’s game plan and his players’ composure proved decisive.
Standout Performers
- Pedri: Dictated the midfield and scored a sensational opener.
- Kylian Mbappé: Turned the game with a free-kick and threatened throughout.
- Jules Koundé: Rock solid at the back and delivered the match-winning goal.
VAR Takes Center Stage
The match saw multiple interventions from VAR:
- Barcelona’s penalty was overturned, with Raphinha cautioned for diving.
- A possible Madrid penalty was nullified due to an offside call.
- These decisions sparked debate and added more drama to an already intense final.
Raw Emotions After the Match
- Barcelona: Celebrations erupted as Ferran Torres and Jules Koundé emerged as heroes.
- Real Madrid: Visible frustration and disappointment, capped off by Rüdiger’s dismissal.
- Flick praised his team's resilience, while Ancelotti vowed to regroup for the remainder of the campaign.
Match Statistics
- Possession: Barcelona 54% - Real Madrid 46%
- Shots on Target: Barcelona 7 - Real Madrid 5
- Corners: Barcelona 6 - Real Madrid 4
- Fouls: Barcelona 14 - Real Madrid 17
- Yellow Cards: Barcelona 3 - Real Madrid 5
- Red Cards: Barcelona 0 - Real Madrid 1 (Antonio Rüdiger)
Season Outlook
This victory provides Barcelona with a major psychological edge as they aim for a historic treble. With a lead in La Liga and their Champions League campaign ongoing, confidence is soaring. Meanwhile, Real Madrid will need to regroup quickly ahead of a crucial Champions League semifinal.
Closing Remarks
This year’s Copa del Rey final was an instant classic. From tactical twists and spectacular goals to VAR controversies and emotional highs and lows, El Clásico once again delivered football at its finest. Barcelona’s comeback win under Hansi Flick signals a new era, while Madrid are left to ponder what might have been.
El Clásico remains more than just a match—it's an enduring legend filled with passion, pride, and unforgettable moments.