Barcelona vs Real Madrid, The Copa del Rey 2025 final ended in heartbreak for Real Madrid as Barcelona secured a dramatic 3-2 victory in extra time at La Cartuja Stadium. Despite Kylian Mbappe’s heroics, a late mistake by Brahim Diaz allowed Barcelona to claim their 32nd Copa del Rey title.

A Tough Start for Madrid

Real Madrid came into the final missing star man Kylian Mbappe in the starting lineup due to his recent ankle injury. Early on, Madrid struggled to deal with Barcelona’s energetic attack. Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal was a constant threat, using his speed and creativity to cause problems. After just 28 minutes, Pedri put Barcelona ahead with a stunning strike into the top corner after a smart move involving Yamal.

Madrid tried to defend deep but lacked control in midfield. Barcelona dominated the ball, and Real Madrid barely created any chances in the first half, seeing one goal ruled out for offside and missing a potential penalty due to another offside call.

Mbappe’s Impact Off the Bench

Things changed when Carlo Ancelotti brought on Kylian Mbappe after half-time. His presence gave Real Madrid new life. Vinicius Jr and Mbappe both had good chances, with Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny pulling off some important saves.

Mbappe finally got Madrid level in the 70th minute, scoring a beautiful free-kick off the post. Seven minutes later, Aurelien Tchouameni rose highest to head home a corner from Arda Guler, giving Madrid a 2-1 lead and swinging momentum their way.

Barcelona Fight Back

Even with Madrid ahead, the game never felt secure. Barcelona kept pushing and found their equalizer in the 84th minute. Lamine Yamal played a clever ball to Ferran Torres, who calmly rounded Thibaut Courtois to make it 2-2.

Controversy followed as Barcelona thought they had a penalty late in normal time, but VAR overturned the decision, booking Raphinha for diving.

Barcelona vs Real Madrid, Extra Time Drama

In extra time, both teams looked tired. Madrid lacked creativity after Vinicius Jr left the field injured, and Barcelona also struggled with tired legs. Just when the game seemed headed for a penalty shootout, Jules Kounde intercepted a poor Luka Modric pass and smashed a shot past Courtois from 20 yards out in the 116th minute, securing Barcelona’s win.

Adding to Madrid’s misery, Antonio Rudiger was sent off in the final moments for throwing an object onto the pitch in frustration.

Real Madrid’s Missed Opportunities

Despite fighting back twice, Real Madrid couldn’t overcome their early mistakes and midfield struggles. Brahim Diaz’s sloppy error and Modric’s misjudged pass cost them dearly. Ancelotti’s decision to start defensively and delay Mbappe’s introduction was questioned, as Barcelona once again outclassed Madrid in a crucial match.

The defeat marks another disappointment in Carlo Ancelotti’s farewell season, as he looks to finish strong with remaining La Liga and Champions League matches.

Barcelona’s Triumph

Barcelona, under new manager Hansi Flick, claimed their first trophy of the season and extended their record to 32 Copa del Rey titles. With Pedri, Yamal, and Kounde shining, the Catalans proved they are serious contenders for a historic quadruple this season.

For more sports-related content, visit Prosportsio.com, where we dive deep into the world of football and beyond.

Tagged: , , , ,