Koundé’s Late Goal Secures Copa del Rey for Barcelona in Classic Clash

Seville, Spain – In a thrilling Copa del Rey final, Barcelona edged out Real Madrid 3-2 on Saturday, thanks to a late goal from Jules Koundé in extra time. The match, held at Estadio La Cartuja, marked the first clásico final in eleven years.

Late into the night, with just four minutes remaining in regulation, Koundé struck from distance, sending a shot that soared past Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and igniting jubilant celebrations among Barcelona fans. The victory extended Barcelona’s record for Copa del Rey titles to 32.

The match was a roller coaster, with both teams exchanging leads. Barcelona initially took the lead with a stunning goal from Pedri in the 28th minute, but Real Madrid fought back. Kylian Mbappé equalized in the 70th minute with a brilliant free kick and Aurélien Tchouaméni put Real ahead with a header shortly after.

However, Barcelona’s resilience shone through when Ferran Torres leveled the score to 2-2 in the dying minutes of regular time, forcing the match into extra time. The game saw significant drama, including a controversial penalty decision that was overturned after a review by the VAR, leaving Madrid players visibly frustrated.

Referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea faced intense scrutiny after his decisions, especially after a penalty awarded to Real was revoked due to an offside call. Tensions flared as multiple players received red cards, including Lucas Vázquez and Antonio Rüdiger.

As extra time progressed, both teams appeared exhausted, but Koundé stepped up decisively. In the 116th minute, he intercepted a weak pass from Luka Modric, took a few strides forward, and unleashed a shot from 25 yards that nestled in the bottom corner of the net.

Barcelona’s players erupted in celebration, with Koundé becoming the unexpected hero of the evening. The match concluded with a dramatic atmosphere, as players from both sides expressed their frustrations to the referees and each other.

In the aftermath, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick praised his young squad’s determination, while Madrid captain Jude Bellingham called the ending “unacceptable.” Both teams showed incredible skill and spirit, providing fans with a final to remember.