Barcelona Crowned Copa del Rey Champions After Kounde’s Extra-Time Winner in Thrilling Clasico

Sports

Barcelona triumphed in a dramatic Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid, with Jules Kounde scoring in the dying moments of extra time to secure a 3-2 win at La Cartuja Stadium on Saturday.

This victory marked Hansi Flick's first major trophy as Barcelona coach and saw them win their 32nd Copa del Rey, extending their record in the competition. The win is part of Barcelona's pursuit of a quadruple this season.

The match started with Barcelona taking the lead through Pedri, whose stunning goal in the 28th minute put the Catalans 1-0 ahead. However, Real Madrid responded fiercely. After a slow start, they equalized in the 70th minute when Kylian Mbappe converted a free-kick into the top corner. Seven minutes later, Aurelien Tchouameni headed home from a corner to give Madrid a 2-1 advantage.

But Ferran Torres restored parity for Barcelona in the 84th minute, sending the game into extra time. The match took a dramatic turn in the final moments of extra time when Kounde intercepted a loose pass from Luka Modric and fired a low shot past Thibaut Courtois to clinch the win for Barcelona.

Amid the drama, Antonio Rudiger, substituted late in the game, was sent off in the final seconds after appearing to throw an object towards the referee.

Despite the tension and controversy, including a VAR decision that overturned a late penalty for Barcelona, the match ended with the Catalans celebrating their triumph, while Madrid faced setbacks, including an injury to Ferland Mendy early in the game and the absence of Mbappe from the start due to an ankle issue.

With this win, Barcelona adds another chapter to their domestic dominance under Flick, while Madrid now must regroup ahead of their next La Liga encounter, which could prove crucial in the title race.