Jules Kounde scored in the dying minutes of extra time to hand Barcelona a dramatic 3-2 victory over Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday at Seville’s La Cartuja stadium. Kounde sealed Barca’s record-extending 32nd Spanish Cup with a stunning low drive from 25 yards out in the 116th minute.
The match ended bitterly for Real Madrid, with Antonio Ruediger, Lucas Vazquez, and Jude Bellingham all receiving red cards—Ruediger and Vazquez for dissent from the bench, and Bellingham after the final whistle for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Barcelona dominated the first half, taking the lead in the 28th minute with a brilliant curling strike from Pedri. Real Madrid responded in the second half when Kylian Mbappe, returning from injury, came off the bench to equalize from a free kick in the 70th minute. Aurelien Tchouameni then put Real ahead seven minutes later with a towering header.
However, Ferran Torres leveled the score in the 84th minute during a swift counter-attack, forcing extra time. Kounde’s late goal ultimately secured the win for Barca, delivering manager Hansi Flick his first major title with the club as they continue chasing LaLiga and Champions League success. Real Madrid, meanwhile, face the risk of a trophy-less season.
“It was a good time to give the fans something to cheer about. Let’s enjoy it, but don’t overdo it because the Champions League semi-finals are coming up in a few days,” player of the match Ferran Torres told TVE.
“Happy and tired. Without a doubt, it was the most physically demanding game I’ve played in my life. But we’re a great team who never gives up.
It tastes better that way, especially when it’s Real Madrid in front of us.”
The heated atmosphere was intensified by Real Madrid’s boycott of pre-match activities, protesting the Spanish FA’s refereeing. Referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea faced a tense final, including a late Barcelona penalty that was overturned after a long VAR review.
Despite a poor first half, Real Madrid almost turned the tide after Mbappe’s introduction, creating multiple chances with Vinicius Jr. Wojciech Szczesny kept Barca alive with crucial saves, and Torres’ late equalizer paved the way for Kounde’s unforgettable winner.
