In a dramatic Copa del Rey final at the Estadio Olimpico de Sevilla, Barcelona emerged victorious over fierce rivals Real Madrid, winning 3-2 after 120 pulsating minutes of football.
The gripping encounter lived up to its billing, with both sides delivering a showcase worthy of the grand occasion.
Barcelona began the stronger of the two teams, controlling possession and creating more clear-cut chances, ultimately taking a narrow lead into halftime.
Their dominance was reflected in the expected goals statistics, with the Catalans recording 1.76 to Madrid’s 0.82 by the end of the match.
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However, the tide turned after the break. Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti made key tactical adjustments, notably introducing Kylian Mbappé, which shifted momentum in Los Blancos’ favor.
Their resurgence was complete when they overturned the deficit to lead 2-1 with just over ten minutes remaining.But the drama was far from over.
A costly mistake from Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois allowed Ferran Torres to level the scores late in the second half, forcing the final into extra time.
In the added period, it was Jules Koundé who seized the moment for Barcelona, netting a sensational long-range effort that ultimately secured the trophy for Hansi Flick’s side.
The triumph brings Barcelona level with Real Madrid in Copa del Rey final head-to-head wins, with both clubs now boasting four victories apiece against each other in the competition’s showpiece event.
It also hands the Blaugrana a psychological advantage as the LaLiga title race enters its final stages.
Barcelona will return to league action on May 3 when they face Real Valladolid, while Real Madrid will aim to bounce back and keep their title hopes alive against Celta Vigo on May 4.
