Barcelona win Copa del Rey Clasico final as Jules Kounde strikes in extra-time

Jules Kounde's decisive goal seals Barcelona's dramatic Copa del Rey Clasico victory over Real Madrid in Seville.

Barcelona’s Jules Kounde celebrates after scoring his team’s third goal during the Copa del Rey final match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville on April 26, 2025. Photo by Pierre-Philippe Marcou/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Barcelona captured a dramatic 3-2 triumph over Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey Clasico final on Saturday, with defender Jules Kounde scoring the decisive goal deep into extra-time at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville. The victory ensures Barcelona's first major trophy under new coach Hansi Flick and marks a record-extending 32nd Spanish Cup triumph for the Catalan giants.

The Barcelona win Copa del Rey Clasico final result keeps alive their ambitions for a quadruple this season, as they continue their dominance under Flick's leadership. Despite Real Madrid's spirited comeback and a series of controversial moments, Barcelona showed resilience to emerge victorious in a pulsating encounter.

A fiery Clasico showdown

Barcelona started the match with high energy and precision, taking the lead through a brilliant strike by Pedri after 28 minutes. The young midfielder curled a powerful shot into the top corner, set up by an electrifying run from Lamine Yamal, who dazzled on the left flank with his newly blond hair.

Real Madrid, shaken but not defeated, responded with renewed vigor in the second half. Kylian Mbappe, recovering from an ankle injury, came off the bench to inspire the Spanish champions. Mbappe was instrumental in pulling Madrid level, winning a free-kick which he then smashed off the post and into the net.

Just seven minutes later, Aurelien Tchouameni put Madrid ahead, heading home from a corner delivered by Arda Guler. With momentum swinging towards Madrid, Barcelona needed a moment of brilliance — and Ferran Torres delivered, capitalizing on a sublime assist from Yamal to force extra-time.

Controversy clouds the final moments

The Barcelona win Copa del Rey Clasico final will not be remembered solely for the football. In the closing stages, controversy erupted when Barcelona's appeals for a penalty were initially upheld, only for VAR to overturn the decision after Raphinha went down under pressure. Madrid's aggressive defending and the intense atmosphere added further drama to the final moments.

Madrid's frustrations spilled over after the final whistle. Antonio Rudiger was sent off for throwing an object onto the pitch, Lucas Vazquez was dismissed for dissent, and Jude Bellingham received a red card for confronting the referee aggressively. Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, visibly disillusioned, declined to comment on the officiating, saying, "I don't know what happened at the end."

Madrid’s grievances were amplified by the pre-match tension, after the club had publicly criticized the refereeing body over perceived bias, a narrative that set a tense backdrop to an already explosive match.

Kounde's heroic moment

In extra-time, it was Barcelona who showed greater composure. Jules Kounde, usually known for his defensive prowess, became the unlikely hero. He intercepted a poor pass from Luka Modric and unleashed a powerful shot past Thibaut Courtois, igniting wild celebrations among the Barcelona players and fans.

"Real Madrid pushed us to our limits but we showed great character and pride," Kounde said post-match. His goal was not only vital for securing the trophy but also a symbol of Barcelona’s resilience under pressure.

Coach Hansi Flick, now victorious in all seven finals he has coached, expressed his joy, saying, "They can make a party — for today, it's OK."

Barcelona's path ahead

The Barcelona win Copa del Rey Clasico final result sets the tone for a crucial period ahead. The Catalans will host Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday, aiming to extend their remarkable season further.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid must regroup quickly. Their behavior in Seville may lead to suspensions and further scrutiny, as their title defense in La Liga could be affected by the fallout from the final. The two sides are scheduled to meet again in May in a potential La Liga title decider.

Despite the controversies, the Clasico final was a thrilling advertisement for Spanish football. Barcelona’s composure under pressure, their young talents shining brightly, and Kounde’s moment of inspiration have given them a significant boost as the season approaches its climax.

Real Madrid’s frustrations boil over

Madrid entered the final already embroiled in a war of words with the Spanish refereeing committee. Club statements criticizing officiating added tension ahead of kick-off, which manifested in numerous contentious moments during the match.

The early injury to Ferland Mendy disrupted Madrid’s defensive structure, forcing Ancelotti into a reshuffle. Despite the setback, Madrid’s forward line of Vinicius Junior, Mbappe, and Rodrygo created danger throughout the second half, but the finishing touch eluded them when it mattered most.

Vinicius thought he had won a penalty after being fouled in the box, but the move was ruled offside. Jude Bellingham also had a goal disallowed for the same reason earlier in the match. Frustration mounted as refereeing decisions continued to go against Madrid, culminating in the furious scenes after full-time.

Barcelona’s young stars step up

One of the standout performances came from 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, who tormented Madrid’s defenders throughout. His creativity set up Pedri’s opening goal and created numerous chances for his teammates. Yamal’s fearless performance highlights Barcelona’s successful transition toward a new generation of stars.

Pedri, too, was instrumental, controlling the midfield with maturity beyond his years. The duo’s energy and technical ability laid the foundation for Barcelona’s triumph, signaling a bright future for the club.

The Clasico rivalry intensifies

The Barcelona win Copa del Rey Clasico final will add another fiery chapter to the storied rivalry between Spain’s biggest clubs. With the La Liga season still in play and another Clasico looming, tensions between the two sides will only intensify.

Barcelona’s mental edge from this victory could prove crucial, while Madrid will need to overcome the psychological scars from the defeat and the fallout surrounding the refereeing drama.

The final at La Cartuja delivered everything fans expect from a Clasico — drama, controversy, brilliance, and unforgettable moments. Above all, it was Barcelona who emerged with silverware, a springboard for more potential glory in the months ahead.