DE News Desk :
Barcelona defender Jules Kounde netted a decisive extra-time goal to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory over Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday at La Cartuja, Seville.
The win saw Barcelona claim their 32nd Spanish Cup title, marking a dramatic start to Hansi Flick’s tenure as head coach and adding to their hopes of a historic quadruple this season.
The match, which featured fiery moments and controversy, saw three Real Madrid players sent off, including England’s Jude Bellingham, as the game descended into chaos in its final moments.
Barcelona took the lead in the 28th minute, with Pedri curling a brilliant strike into the top corner from the edge of the box, set up by 17-year-old winger Lamine Yamal.
Madrid responded strongly, with Kylian Mbappe scoring in the 70th minute after a surging run and free-kick that rattled the post.
Seven minutes later, Aurelien Tchouameni put Madrid ahead with a header off a corner from Arda Guler.
However, Barcelona weren’t done. Ferran Torres equalized in the 84th minute, forcing the match into extra-time.
Kounde then sealed the win for Barcelona, intercepting a loose pass from Luka Modric and firing a long-range strike past Thibaut Courtois.
In a match full of drama, referee decisions came under scrutiny.
Barcelona felt aggrieved when a penalty appeal for a foul on Torres was overturned by VAR, and the tension boiled over as three Madrid players were sent off.
Antonio Rudiger was dismissed in the dying seconds for throwing an object at the referee, Lucas Vazquez followed for protesting, and Bellingham was sent off after the final whistle for an aggressive confrontation with the referee.
“We showed great character and pride,” Kounde said after the match. “Madrid pushed us to our limits, but we held strong.”
Barcelona’s victory marked their third Clasico win of the season after triumphs in La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup, continuing their dominance over their arch-rivals.
Coach Hansi Flick, who has never lost a final in his managerial career, expressed his joy: “Madrid can throw a party today, but we will enjoy this win.”
The result leaves Madrid seething over the referee’s decisions, especially given the pre-match controversy surrounding the officiating.
Real Madrid had made strong statements about the refereeing team after their media channel criticized Spanish officials, which cast a shadow over the thrilling encounter.
Looking ahead, Barcelona now set their sights on the Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan on Wednesday, while Madrid’s focus turns to their La Liga title race with Barcelona, where they meet again in May in what could be a decisive clash.