Barcelona won their 32nd Copa del Rey by beating Real Madrid

Kounde's Screamer Seals the Deal: How Barcelona Snared Their 32nd Copa del Rey in a Clasico Thriller

The tension was palpable, the stakes sky-high. A Clasico final in the Copa del Rey is always a spectacle, but the 2025 edition in Seville was a rollercoaster of emotions, a game that swung back and forth before culminating in a moment of brilliance. In a match overshadowed by pre-game controversy and a dramatic finale, it was Jules Kounde's stunning extra-time strike that secured Barcelona's 32nd Copa del Rey title, etching another glorious chapter in their rivalry with Real Madrid. This is the story of how a remarkable Clasico delivered yet another trophy for the Catalan giants.

Who:

The protagonists in this captivating Copa del Rey final were the two titans of Spanish football: FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. Under the guidance of Hansi Flick, Barcelona aimed to secure their first major trophy under his leadership, while Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid were desperate to claim silverware in what could be his final season at the helm. The match featured a galaxy of stars, including young talents like Lamine Yamal and Arda Guler, established figures like Pedri and Kylian Mbappe, and the unlikely hero of the night, defender Jules Kounde. The intense rivalry between these two clubs, amplified by the pre-match scrutiny of the referee, added an extra layer of drama to the encounter.

What: The prize they were battling for was the prestigious Copa del Rey trophy. For Barcelona, this 2025 final against their arch-nemesis carried immense weight. Not only was it an opportunity to claim their record-extending 32nd title in the competition, but it was also a chance for Hansi Flick to secure his first major silverware with the club and gain a psychological edge over their rivals in the league title race. The game itself was a captivating affair, a seesaw battle that saw both teams take the lead and ultimately required extra time to determine the winner.

Where: The electrifying showdown unfolded in Seville, a neutral venue that has become a familiar stage for high-stakes Copa del Rey finals. The atmosphere was electric, a cauldron of noise and passion as supporters of both Barcelona and Real Madrid filled the stadium. This neutral territory amplified the intensity of the Clasico, with every tackle, every pass, and every shot carrying significant weight in the pursuit of the coveted trophy.

How:

The path to Barcelona's 32nd Copa del Rey was paved with drama and resilience in this unforgettable final. Barcelona started strongly, with Pedri's fantastic first-time strike giving them a deserved lead. However, Real Madrid roared back in the second half, spurred on by the introduction of Kylian Mbappe, who scored a stunning free-kick, and a header from Aurelien Tchouameni. But Barcelona refused to buckle, with Ferran Torres capitalizing on a long ball to level the score. Controversy then erupted in injury time when a penalty awarded to Barcelona was overturned by VAR. This sent the game to extra time, where Jules Kounde became the unlikely hero, unleashing a breathtaking strike from outside the box to clinch the victory for Barcelona. The final moments were marred by red cards for Antonio Rudiger and Lucas Vazquez on the Real Madrid bench, highlighting the raw emotions of the Clasico. This victory marked Hansi Flick's first major trophy with Barcelona and potentially dealt a significant blow to Carlo Ancelotti's tenure at Real Madrid. The thrilling encounter, filled with twists and turns, underscored Barcelona's fighting spirit and their continued dominance in the Copa del Rey. With a league Clasico and a Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan on the horizon, this Copa del Rey triumph could be a sign of even greater things to come for Flick's Barcelona.