El Clasico and the Copa del Rey final alone made the Barcelona vs. Real Madrid match exciting. But when these two big rivals meet, more drama is almost guaranteed. Before the game even started, there was trouble with the referee, fights between fans and police, and later a very intense battle on the field. In a close and action-packed match, 5 goals were scored, and Barcelona ended up winning the title. Real Madrid also received two red cards!
There were even rumors that Real Madrid might boycott the final at Sevilla’s La Cartuja Stadium because they were unhappy with referee Ricardo de Burgos. In the end, they decided to play but stayed frustrated with some of the referee’s decisions during the game. The winning goal and both red cards happened during extra time, turning the final into a true thriller. Barcelona finally won 3-2 to lift the Copa del Rey trophy.
Earlier this season, Barcelona didn’t take Real Madrid too seriously in El Clasico matches. In this final, Hansi Flick’s team scored first with a goal from Pedri in the 28th minute. Real Madrid didn’t equalize until the 70th minute and then took the lead when Kylian Mbappe scored in the 77th minute. But their joy was short-lived, as Ferran Torres leveled the score for Barcelona in the 84th minute. The real drama came in the extra 30 minutes, where Barcelona finally sealed the victory.
The Barca-Real match was tied 2-2 after 90 minutes. Extra time also stayed even, and it looked like the game was heading for a penalty shootout. But then, Barca flipped the script on Real, who are known for scoring late goals. In the 116th minute, Barca defender Jules Koundé took advantage of a weak pass from Luka Modric and scored with a powerful shot.
By then, extra time was almost over. During stoppage time, Real Madrid’s players protested heavily after no free kick was given when Eric Garcia fouled Mbappe. Players from the bench even ran onto the field. Antonio Rudiger lost control, and something was thrown toward the referee from his side. Rudiger and Lucas Vazquez were both shown red cards, adding to Real’s frustration on a tough night.
With this win, Barcelona claimed the first trophy in their quest for a treble this season. It’s their first Copa del Rey title since 2021 and their first win over Real Madrid in a Copa final since 1990. This is also Barca’s 32nd Copa del Rey win and coach Flick’s first major trophy with the club. Earlier this season, Barca also beat Real to win the Spanish Super Cup.
