Barca Edge Thrilling Clasico in Copa del Rey Final

In a pulsating Copa del Rey final that went down to the wire, Barcelona emerged victorious against arch-rivals Real Madrid, thanks to a stunning extra-time strike from defender Jules Kounde. The dramatic Clasico, played in Seville, concluded 3-2 after extra time, following a 2-2 stalemate in the regulation 90 minutes.

Barcelona started strongly, taking the lead through a великолепный first-time shot from Pedri just outside the box, capitalizing on a cut-back from the lively Lamine Yamal. The first half saw Barca in control, with opportunities for Yamal, Kounde, and Dani Olmo, who hit the post.

Real Madrid, however, showed a marked improvement in the second half following the introduction of Kylian Mbappe. The French star quickly made his mark, curling a free-kick into the bottom corner after being fouled himself. The momentum swung further when Aurelien Tchouameni headed Real Madrid into the lead from an Arda Guler corner.

But Barcelona responded resiliently. Yamal was again instrumental, sending a long ball for Ferran Torres, who expertly rounded goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois before slotting home the equalizer.

The dying moments of regulation time brought further drama. Referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea initially awarded Barcelona a penalty for a challenge by Raul Asencio on Raphinha. However, after a lengthy VAR review, the decision was overturned, and Raphinha was instead booked for diving.

With penalties looming, the game entered extra time, where Kounde became the hero for Barcelona. The defender collected the ball 22 yards from goal and unleashed a powerful, accurate shot into the bottom corner, sending the Barca faithful into raptures.

The final moments of the match were marred by ill-discipline. From the Real Madrid bench, Antonio Rudiger and Lucas Vazquez were shown straight red cards. Adding to the drama, England midfielder Jude Bellingham was also sent off after the final whistle for confronting the match officials in what was deemed an aggressive manner.

The build-up to the Copa del Rey final had been dominated by scrutiny of referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, following criticism from Real Madrid’s official channels. While two goals were ruled out for clear offsides and a penalty appeal for Mbappe was dismissed for a prior offside, the overturned penalty decision in the 96th minute became a major talking point.

This Copa del Rey triumph marks Hansi Flick’s first major trophy since taking charge of Barcelona in the summer, having now won all three Clasicos under his management. For Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, who is widely tipped to leave at the end of the season, this defeat could represent a missed opportunity for a final piece of silverware.

The victory also keeps Barcelona’s hopes of a treble alive, as they currently sit four points clear of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga, with one more Clasico to come, and are also in the semi-finals of the Champions League against Inter Milan. The final league Clasico on May 11th could prove decisive in the title race. Notably, Barcelona secured this cup victory without their top scorer, Robert Lewandowski, who was sidelined for the match.