By Samuel A. April 27, 2025
Jules Kounde’s sublime extra time screamer ensured that Barcelona beat Real Madrid for the third time in the 2024/25 season to win the Copa del Rey in a remarkable El Clasico in Seville.
After a 2-2 draw in 90 minutes and with penalties in sight, the Barcelona defender took possession of the ball 22 yards out from a loose Luka Modric pass and drilled a fine effort into the bottom corner.
Barca had been by far the better side in the first half and led through Pedri’s fantastic first time strike from outside the box after Lamine Yamal’s cutback. Madrid improved dramatically after Kylian Mbappe came on as a substitute, and curled in a free kick, which he had won, into the bottom corner via the inside of the post, and Aurelien Tchouameni heading Real ahead from Arda Guler’s corner shortly after.
Barcelona levelled when Ferran Torres ran onto Yamal’s long ball and rounded goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois before slotting in.
Hansi Flick’s side thought they had a chance to win it in injury time when they were awarded a penalty for a Raul Asencio tackle on Raphinha, but the decision was overturned after a long VAR check.
The overruling of the penalty took the game to extra time, when Kounde’s fourth goal of the season was the difference.
Right at the end of the 120 minutes, it all boiled over as Mbappe tried to shrug an opponent off, the referee gave a free kick against him.
The Real bench were furious. Several players ran onto the pitch and Rudiger appeared to throw something at the official. Rudiger, who had to be held back by several team-mates, and Vazquez were dismissed, and moments later the final whistle went to confirm Barcelona’s win.
Bellingham also had to be restrained by teammates after approaching officials in an aggressive attitude, for which he was sent off.
A reminder the club’s official TV had scrutinized the day before, insisting that the federation should change the referees and even threatening to pull out of the game if actions were not taken.
Barcelona will face Inter Milan this Wednesday, as they look to win a treble in Flick’s first season as manager.
