In a thrilling Copa del Rey final, Barcelona triumphed over Real Madrid with a dramatic 3-2 victory after extra time, securing their 32nd Spanish Cup title, a record-extending achievement. The match was an intense battle between the fierce rivals, with Jules Koundé scoring a stunning 116th-minute winner to seal the victory.
Match Summary:
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Barcelona’s Early Lead: The game started with Barça dominating possession and creating chances. In the 28th minute, Pedri opened the scoring with a beautiful curling strike from outside the box, placing the ball perfectly into the top corner of Thibaut Courtois' net.
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Real Madrid’s Fightback: Real Madrid responded in the second half, thanks to a dramatic impact from Kylian Mbappé. Coming off the bench, Mbappé scored the equaliser in the 70th minute with a precise free-kick. Seven minutes later, Aurélien Tchouaméni put Madrid ahead with a powerful header from a corner, giving Madrid a brief 2-1 lead.
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Barcelona’s Equaliser: Ferran Torres played the role of a hero for Barcelona, scoring an important 84th-minute equaliser following a counter-attack. His calm finish sent the match into extra time, leaving everything to play for.
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The Decisive Moment: With the match on the brink of a penalty shootout, Koundé pounced on a pass from Brahim Díaz and launched a remarkable strike from 25 yards, sending the ball into the bottom corner of Courtois' goal. This was the moment that handed Barcelona the victory, and their fans erupted in celebration.
Key Moments and Players:
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Koundé’s Winner: The French defender’s goal in extra time sealed the victory for Barcelona, adding another memorable chapter to their season.
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Pedri’s Stunning Strike: Barcelona’s first goal came from Pedri, whose curling effort set the tone early in the match.
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Mbappé’s Impact: Despite starting on the bench due to an ankle injury, Mbappé made a significant impact, scoring the equalising free-kick.
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Ferran Torres’ Heroics: Torres, stepping in for the injured Robert Lewandowski, was vital in Barcelona’s comeback, scoring the crucial equaliser.
The Aftermath:
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Barcelona’s Treble Hopes: With this victory, Barcelona will head into Wednesday’s Champions League semifinal against Inter Milan with plenty of momentum. They also sit four points ahead of Real Madrid in LaLiga, further strengthening their position in Spanish football.
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Real Madrid’s Setback: For Real Madrid, the loss in the Copa del Rey final is another blow following their recent Champions League quarterfinal exit at the hands of Arsenal. The defeat casts further doubt over the future of Carlo Ancelotti, with rumors circulating that the Italian coach may leave for the Brazil national team this summer.
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Red Card Drama: The match ended with more controversy as Antonio Rüdiger of Madrid, who had already been substituted, received a red card in the final moments of extra time for his involvement in an incident.
Barcelona’s victory in this fierce Clasico adds another notch to their impressive record this season, as they continue to prove themselves as one of the top teams in Europe.
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