Jules Kounde scored a dramatic extra-time winner as Barcelona FC defeated Real Madrid 3-2 to clinch the Copa del Rey title on Saturday.
In an enthralling final at Seville’s La Cartuja Stadium, Barcelona captured their record-extending 32nd Spanish Cup after an intense, nail-biting contest.
Kounde’s low drive from 25 yards found the bottom corner in the 116th minute, sending the Barcelona fans into raptures.
The match ended in chaos for Real Madrid as Antonio Ruediger and Lucas Vazquez, both already substituted, were sent off for dissent from the sidelines. Jude Bellingham was also dismissed after the final whistle for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Barcelona dominated the first half, taking the lead in the 28th minute when Pedri curled a superb strike into the top corner from outside the box. However, the momentum shifted after halftime.
Still regaining fitness from an ankle injury, Kylian Mbappe was introduced from the bench and quickly made an impact. He leveled the scores in the 70th minute with a low free kick, energizing Real Madrid’s attack.
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Seven minutes later, Aurelien Tchouameni put Madrid ahead with a towering header from a corner. But Barcelona responded swiftly, with Ferran Torres capping off a counterattack in the 84th minute to force extra time.
The thrilling final saw VAR drama when an added-time penalty initially awarded to Barcelona was overturned after a lengthy review. Wojciech Szczesny, Barcelona’s goalkeeper, produced vital saves to deny Vinicius Jr. twice, keeping his side in contention.
Just as the match seemed destined for penalties, Kounde stepped up with a stunning winner. The victory gave Barcelona manager Hansi Flick his first major title with the club and maintained their hopes for a historic treble, with LaLiga and the Champions League still in sight.
Ferran Torres, named Player of the Match, described it as the most physically demanding game of his career and hailed the team’s resilience. “It tastes better when it’s against Real Madrid,” he said after the match.
For Real Madrid, the defeat leaves LaLiga as their only remaining chance to avoid a trophyless season.
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