Jules Capunde hit the extra time late to win the record 32nd Copa del Rey title at Seville’s La Culture Stadium on Saturday night in a thrilling 3-2 win over Real Madrid.
Attractive El Clasico In the showdown, Barcelona had the second trophy of the season, lifting their first major silverware under manager Hansifrik.
Seville drama night
Barcelona was in full control early on. Pedri opened the score in the 28th minute with a beautifully placed shot from the edge of the box after some great build-up plays, including teenage sensation Ramin Yamal. The Catalans may have controlled ownership and doubled their lead before halftime, with Ferran Torres struck the post.
But Real Madrid cried out in the second half.
Carlo Ancelotti took over Killian Mbape at halftime, and the French star instantly made a difference. After a few threats, Mbappe finally levelled the game in the 70th minute.
Just seven minutes later, Aurelien Tchouameni completed the Madrid turnaround and led the European champions by hiring headers from the Arda Guler corner.
Barcelona digs deep
Faced with defeat, Barcelona responded with a character. In the 84th minute, Ferran Torres latched into a clever ball over Yamal and quietly slotted past the Thibaut Court Core to send the match to extra time.
With minutes engraved and penalties looming, it was Kunde who became the hero. Taking advantage of a rare mistake from Lucamodric, the French defenders surged forward, causing wild celebrations among Barcelona fans, excavating the bass.
Temperament slows and flares
Real Madrid’s frustration boiled down at the moment he was dying. Antonio Rudiger, Lucas Vazquez, and even Jude Bellingham, after the final whi, red cards were seen for dissenting and sportsman-like behavior.
Madrid’s rage was simmering even before kickoff after the club’s official protest against the referee assigned to the match. Throughout the final, referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengotoxa made several controversial calls, including overturning the Barcelona penalty after a lengthy VAR review.
What’s next?
With the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup already in their bags, Barcelona now shifts focus to the Champions League semi-finals, hosting Inter Milan on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid, currently outside Europe and the Cup, will have to gather in a place where they run Barcelona four points in Lariga if they want to avoid ending their season’s trophyless.
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