In a pulsating 2025 Copa del Rey ultimate at Seville’s Estadio La Cartuja on April 26, Barcelona edged Actual Madrid 3-2 after further time, clinching their thirty second title in Spain’s premier cup competitors. This El Clasico showdown, the primary Copa del Rey ultimate between the 2 giants since 2014, delivered on the promise, consisting of nice soccer, drama, controversy, and a memorable end.
The Catalans took the lead by means of Pedri within the twenty eighth minute, however Actual overturned the scoreline within the second half, courtesy of Kylian Mbappe (70′) and Aurelien Tchouameni (77′). Ferran Torres restored parity within the 84th, sending the sport into further time, the place Jules Kounde struck what turned out to be the winner within the 116th.
Groups
Although Marc-Andre ter Stegen returned from long-term damage to make the squad, Wojciech Szczesny stored his place between the posts for Barcelona. In defence, Kounde and Gerard Martin flanked centre-backs Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez. Pedri was joined by Frenkie de Jong in the course of the park, whereas the trio of Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo and Raphinha supported Torres in assault.
In the meantime, for Actual, Thibaut Courtois was in objective, with the again 4 of Ferland Mendy, Antonio Rudiger, Raul Asencio and Lucas Vazquez. Fede Valverde and Tchouameni paired up the center of defence, and with Mbappe initially left on the bench, Vinicius Junior moved to the central attacking position, supported by Dani Ceballos, Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo Goes.
Match recap
Barcelona asserted early dominance, controlling possession and tempo. Their efforts paid off within the twenty eighth minute when Pedri opened the scoring, slotting dwelling after a intelligent help from teenager Lamine Yamal. The Catalans maintained their lead into halftime, with Actual Madrid struggling to create clear-cut probabilities.
The second half noticed a rejuvenated Madrid, spurred by the introduction of Kylian Mbappé. Within the seventieth minute, Mbappe leveled the match with a elegant free-kick. Simply seven minutes later, Aurelien Tchouameni headed in a nook, giving Madrid a 2-1 benefit.
Barcelona, undeterred, pressed for an equalizer. Their persistence was rewarded within the 84th minute when Ferran Torres capitalized on a defensive lapse, bringing the rating to 2-2 and forcing further time.
Because the prospect of a penalty shootout loomed, the decisive second arrived within the 116th minute. Kounde intercepted a misplaced cross from Actual substitute Brahim Diaz and unleashed a strong shot from 25 yards, beating Thibaut Courtois and snatching the victory for Barcelona.
The match was not with out controversy. A late Barcelona penalty was overturned by VAR, and a possible Madrid penalty was nullified on account of an offside name. Tensions boiled over on the ultimate whistle, with three Madrid gamers – Lucas Vazquez, Antonio Rudiger, and Jude Bellingham – receiving purple playing cards for dissent.
Influence
This victory marks the primary main trophy beneath supervisor Hansi Flick and retains Barcelona on the right track for a possible treble, as they continue to be contenders in each La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. The win additionally underscores Barcelona’s dominance over their rivals this season, having defeated Madrid in all three encounters.
It additionally reinforces the notion of a implausible job Flick has accomplished since becoming a member of the membership at a comparatively troublesome second, when monetary issues threatened to spoil Barcelona’s likelihood of success this season. The German tactician has put collectively a squad merely bursting with expertise, with an exquisite combination of youth and expertise.
For Actual Madrid, the defeat is a big setback, doubtlessly leaving them with out silverware this season. With 5 league video games remaining, together with one other Clasico on Might 11, they path Barcelona by 4 factors. The loss additionally raises questions in regards to the workforce’s self-discipline and composure in high-stakes matches, although for the likes of Bellingham and Rudiger, such behaviour is much from shocking.
If, as anticipated, Ancelotti steps down from his position on the finish of the season, whoever takes his place (Xabi Alonso of Bayer Leverkusen is reportedly the principle candidate) will face a troublesome activity of getting his star gamers to point out maturity and composure beneath strain.
Total, the 2025 Copa del Rey ultimate will likely be remembered as one of the crucial thrilling and emotionally charged El Clasicos in latest historical past, showcasing the enduring depth of this storied rivalry.
