Barcelona clinched the 2025 Copa del Rey title with a dramatic 3–2 extra-time victory over arch-rivals Real Madrid on Saturday in Seville, as Jules Koundé’s late strike sealed the Catalan side’s first major trophy under manager Hansi Flick.
In a pulsating final at La Cartuja, Barcelona struck first through Pedri before a second-half Madrid comeback saw Kylian Mbappé and Aurélien Tchouaméni turn the game on its head. Ferran Torres then equalised in the 84th minute to force extra time, where Koundé’s 113th-minute winner broke the deadlock and earned Barça a record-extending 32nd Copa del Rey crown.
“We brought joy to the fans today, but we’re already focused on the Champions League semi-final on Wednesday,” Torres said post-match, referencing the upcoming clash with Inter Milan.
Madrid’s frustration boiled over in the dying seconds, as substituted defender Antonio Rüdiger was shown a red card for throwing an object in the direction of the referee, while Lucas Vázquez also saw red for dissent.
An electrifying final
Barcelona, chasing a historic quadruple this season, dominated early proceedings. Flick’s men were in control from the start, and their breakthrough came in the 28th minute when Pedri finished a flowing move with a powerful strike into the top corner — a goal that began with Pau Cubarsí’s smart interception and featured Lamine Yamal’s typically dazzling wing play.
Madrid, initially cautious with Mbappé on the bench following an ankle knock, were forced into a first-half change as Ferland Mendy limped off. Carlo Ancelotti brought on Fran García to try and contain the mercurial Yamal, who tormented the Madrid defence throughout.
The reigning La Liga and Champions League holders came alive in the second half after Mbappé replaced Rodrygo. The French star equalised in the 70th minute with a blistering free-kick that crashed in off the post, before Tchouaméni headed home from an Arda Güler corner to give Madrid a 2–1 lead seven minutes later.
Late drama and extra-time glory
Just when Madrid seemed poised to lift the trophy, Torres latched onto a sublime lofted pass from Yamal, squeezed between Rüdiger and Courtois, and rolled home the equaliser.
Controversy flared late in regular time as Barcelona were denied a penalty after VAR overturned a call for a foul on Raphinha. The match entered extra time with tensions high and both sides throwing everything forward.
Barcelona, visibly fresher and more determined, found the winner in the 113th minute. Koundé pounced on a rare misplaced pass from Luka Modrić, drove forward, and lashed a low shot past Courtois to send the Blaugrana fans into raptures.
Madrid’s frustrations boiled over once more as Rüdiger and Vázquez were both sent off during stoppage time in a chaotic finish.
The bigger picture
Barcelona’s win not only hands them silverware but also a major psychological edge heading into the final stretch of the season — including a potentially title-deciding league Clasico in May.
Flick, who now boasts a perfect record in finals (7 out of 7), was all smiles post-match: “Let them enjoy it today — but tomorrow, we prepare for Inter.”
Meanwhile, Madrid — who had seethed at the referee even before kickoff due to critical comments from the official — will reflect on a night of high drama, missed chances, and costly mistakes.
