Barcelona Crowned Copa del Rey Champions After Thrilling Extra-Time Victory Over Real Madrid | Full Analysis and Highlights
In one of the most unforgettable El Clasicos in recent memory, FC Barcelona emerged victorious over Real Madrid with a dramatic 3-2 win after extra time in the Copa del Rey final held on April 26, 2025, at the historic Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville. This victory secured Barcelona’s 32nd Copa del Rey title, further cementing their dominance in Spanish football history.
✨ Match Overview
- Final Score: Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid (AET)
- Stadium: Estadio de La Cartuja, Seville
- Attendance: Full house of 57,000 passionate fans
- Referee: Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea
- Man of the Match: Ferran Torres
⚽ Goals and Key Moments
First Half:
Barcelona started brightly, with their pressing game pinning Real Madrid deep into their half. The Catalans’ midfield triangle of Pedri, Gavi, and De Jong worked tirelessly to win the ball back and recycle possession. Their dominance was rewarded in the 28th minute, when Pedri finished a slick move initiated by Raphinha cutting inside from the right, exchanging passes with Gavi before slotting past Courtois.
Real Madrid struggled to cope with Barcelona’s intensity and failed to register a shot on target in the first half, with Lewandowski and Ferran Torres missing chances to extend the lead.
Second Half:
Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical tweaks during halftime, notably introducing Kylian Mbappé for Rodrygo, changed the dynamic. Mbappé immediately stretched Barcelona’s backline with his pace. In the 70th minute, he equalized with a spectacular direct free-kick from 25 yards, catching Ter Stegen slightly wrong-footed.
Madrid took the lead shortly after when Aurélien Tchouaméni rose highest to meet a Luka Modrić corner, powering a header into the net. The sudden double blow rattled Barcelona, but Hansi Flick made crucial substitutions, bringing on Lamine Yamal and Andreas Christensen to regain composure.
With time running out, Ferran Torres proved decisive. In the 84th minute, after a scrappy sequence in Madrid’s box, he reacted quickest to a loose ball to fire home the equalizer, setting up a nerve-wracking extra time.
Extra Time:
Extra time was tense and physically draining. Barcelona maintained slightly better control, aided by fresh legs from their substitutes. In the 116th minute, a defensive miscommunication between Alaba and Militao allowed Jules Koundé to sneak in at the far post and convert a deflected cross from Gavi. Madrid threw everything forward in the final minutes, but Barcelona’s defense, marshaled by Ronald Araujo, held firm.
💥 Star Performances
- Pedri: Brilliant with and without the ball, orchestrating attacks and pressing relentlessly.
- Ferran Torres: Lively throughout, scored a crucial equalizer, and constantly troubled Madrid’s backline.
- Jules Koundé: Match-winner with a composed finish and strong defensive work.
- Kylian Mbappé: Injected energy into Madrid’s attack and scored a stunning free-kick.
- Aurélien Tchouaméni: Dominant in midfield battles and scored Madrid’s second goal.
⚡ Tactical Analysis
Barcelona’s Strategy:
Hansi Flick’s strategy was evident from the outset: high pressing, quick ball recovery, and creating overloads in midfield. The use of inverted fullbacks (Cancelo and Balde tucking inside) allowed the midfielders to push higher and suffocate Madrid’s build-up. Flick’s in-game management was also key — recognizing the momentum shift after Madrid’s two goals, he introduced fresh legs that tilted the balance back in Barcelona’s favor.
Real Madrid’s Strategy:
Carlo Ancelotti set up more conservatively, likely planning to exploit Barcelona’s high defensive line with Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo. However, their lack of ball retention in the first half hurt them. The introduction of Mbappé shifted the balance, allowing Madrid to bypass midfield and attack directly. Yet their defensive frailties, especially dealing with second balls and set pieces, ultimately led to their downfall.
Key Tactical Battles:
- Pedri vs Ceballos: Pedri’s movement and ability to escape Ceballos’ marking was a decisive factor in the midfield control.
- Mbappé vs Koundé: A thrilling duel, but Koundé adapted well after initial struggles.
- Ferran vs Carvajal: Ferran continuously found pockets of space behind Carvajal, leading to several dangerous moments.
⚡ Controversial Moments
- A Barcelona penalty shout in extra time was overturned after VAR deemed Ferran had simulated the contact.
- Real Madrid’s penalty appeal involving Mbappé was denied due to an offside in the buildup.
- Antonio Rüdiger received a red card from the bench for aggressively protesting a non-call late in extra time.
📊 Key Statistics
| Statistic | Barcelona | Real Madrid |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 59.2% | 40.8% |
| Shots on Target | 9 | 7 |
| Total Shots | 22 | 15 |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 2.8 | 1.9 |
| Yellow Cards | 4 | 3 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 1 |
| Corner Kicks | 8 | 7 |
| Saves | 5 | 6 |
📊 Implications of the Result
- Barcelona: Confidence sky-high, especially heading into a crunch Champions League semi-final. Flick’s side looks increasingly cohesive and hungry for more silverware.
- Real Madrid: With La Liga likely slipping away, pressure intensifies on Ancelotti. The squad’s heavy reliance on Mbappé to spark the attack is becoming evident.
🔗 Related Links:
🔥 Conclusion
The 2025 Copa del Rey Final between Barcelona and Real Madrid delivered an epic spectacle worthy of its historic billing. Barcelona’s superior tactical preparation, in-game management, and mental resilience ultimately overcame Madrid’s star power. A classic that will be remembered for years, and a statement win as Barcelona continues their pursuit of more glory under Hansi Flick.
