Barcelona triumphed over arch-rivals Real Madrid in an electrifying Copa del Rey final at the Estadio de La Cartuja, winning 3-2 after extra time to lift their 32nd Copa trophy.
The match lived up to its billing as a classic encounter between Spain’s footballing giants. Barcelona drew first blood in the 28th minute when teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, showing maturity beyond his 17 years, set up Pedri for a neat finish to put the Catalans ahead.
Real Madrid responded with intent, introducing Kylian Mbappé off the bench. The French superstar wasted no time, curling home a stunning free-kick in the 70th minute to level the game. Madrid turned the tie around just minutes later when Aurélien Tchouaméni nodded in from a corner expertly delivered by Arda Güler, making it 2-1 for Los Blancos.
However, Barcelona refused to back down. Once again, Yamal was the architect, delivering a precise cross that Ferran Torres converted in the 84th minute, forcing the game into extra time.
With tired legs and frayed nerves on both sides, it was Barça’s Jules Koundé who produced the moment of magic. In the 116th minute, the French defender unleashed a thunderous strike from outside the box that left Real Madrid’s goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois with no chance.
