On May 10, 2025, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid squared off in a thrilling Copa del Rey final at the Estadio de la Cartuja in Seville. In an unforgettable El Clasico, Barcelona won 3-2 after extra time, securing their 32nd Copa del Rey title. The match was full of thrills, stunning goals and tense moments that proved once again why this rivalry is at the heart of Spanish football.
Barcelona took command from the start. They controlled the ball and created chances that forced Real Madrid to their feet. In the 28th minute, midfielder Pedri lit up the stadium with a stunning goal. He received the ball just outside the penalty area, took one touch and struck a superb shot into the top corner. Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois had no chance and the Barcelona fans in the 57,600 stands erupted in joy. Barcelona continued to press.
Real Madrid looked doomed, as their star forward Rodrigo was unable to penetrate Barcelona’s defence, led by the steady Ronald Araujo. At halftime, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti made a bold move. He fielded Kylian Mbappe, who was recovering from an ankle injury but was allowed to play. Mbappe’s speed and skill changed everything. In the 70th minute, he stepped up for a free-kick and dribbled past Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny to hit a curling shot over the wall, tying the score at 1-1.
Seven minutes later, the momentum increased even more. Suddenly, it looked like the trophy might go to Madrid. However, Barcelona showed their fighting spirit. As time passed, they launched a quick counter-attack in the 84th minute. Seventeen-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal came running from the wing and played a great pass to Ferran Torres. Torres stayed calm and headed the ball past Courtois to level the game at 2-2.
The stadium was abuzz with excitement as the match went into extra time. Torres’ goal, his 18th of the season, made him the tournament’s top scorer and he later won the Man of the Match award. In extra time, both teams were exhausted, but the drama didn’t stop. The turning point came in the 116th minute. Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz gave a poor pass and was picked up by Barcelona defender Jules Kounde. Kounde, standing about 25 yards from the goal, took advantage of the opportunity and hit a low, powerful shot.
Barcelona fans went crazy and Kounde’s teammates surrounded him celebrating. That goal made the score 3-2 and Barcelona held on until the final minutes to ensure the win. The win was huge for Barcelona. It kept their dream of winning four trophies in the 2024-2025 season alive, as they had already won the Spanish Super Cup title earlier in the year. Led by coach Hansi Flick, the team showed resilience and teamwork, with experienced players like Torres and Kounde blending with young talents like Yamal and Pedri.
Despite Mbappe’s brilliance, they could not overcome their slow start and defensive errors. The match highlighted why El Clasico is special. It had everything: beautiful goals, heartwarming moments and players at their best. Pedri’s opener showed Barcelona’s brilliance, Mbappe’s free-kick reminded everyone of their magic and Kounde’s last-minute strike proved that heroes can come from anywhere. There was plenty of talk after the game, too.
Some Real Madrid fans felt the referee’s decision on a potential penalty was unfair, but most agreed that the better team won that night.For Barcelona, this Copa del Rey title was a statement. They celebrated all night, with fans chanting in the streets of Seville and Catalonia. The win wasn’t just about the trophy – it was about pride, passion and proving that they can beat their biggest rivals when it matters most. As the 2024-2025 season continues, this match will be remembered as a classic that fans of both sides will talk about for years to come.