Barcelona kept their treble dreams alive in stunning fashion on Saturday night, edging arch-rivals Real Madrid 3-2 after extra time in a Copa del Rey final that had everything — drama, comebacks, late goals, and heartbreak.
At the iconic La Cartuja Stadium, Pedri’s early wonder strike, Ferran Torres’ crucial equalizer, and Jules Kounde’s late winner combined to deliver yet another unforgettable chapter in the legendary Barca vs Madrid rivalry.
Pedri Lights the Spark
From the opening whistle, there was no doubt that this final would be fiercely contested.
It was Barcelona who struck first, thanks to a moment of brilliance from Pedri in the 28th minute.
Intercepting a loose ball, the young star unleashed a ferocious shot from distance that soared past Thibaut Courtois and into the top corner.
The stadium erupted as the Blaugrana faithful roared their team into an early lead — and perhaps thought, for a brief moment, that this latest Barca vs Madrid battle might go their way without much trouble.
Real Madrid’s Fightback
But if there’s one thing we’ve learned over decades of El Clasico encounters, it’s that Real Madrid never go down quietly.
Carlo Ancelotti rolled the dice at halftime, bringing on Kylian Mbappe to spark some life into his side.
The move paid off just twenty-five minutes later when the Frenchman curled a sensational free-kick into the back of the net, tying the game at 1-1.
Moments later, Aurelien Tchouameni added another, rising highest to head home and flip the match on its head.
From trailing to leading in under ten minutes, Madrid seemed poised to steal Barcelona’s thunder in the final once again.
Torres to the Rescue
As the clock ticked down, Barcelona looked increasingly desperate.
But Ferran Torres had other ideas.
With six minutes left, Barcelona sliced open the Madrid defense with a clever pass, and Torres calmly slotted it past Courtois to make it 2-2.
The goal sent the contest into extra time — and ensured this edition of Barca vs Madrid would join the long list of classics.
Kounde’s Moment of Glory
With legs tiring and nerves fraying, it was Barcelona who found the winning moment.
In the 116th minute, Jules Kounde pounced on a sloppy pass from Brahim Díaz, raced towards goal, and drilled a low shot under Courtois.
The French defender wheeled away in celebration as Barcelona took a 3-2 lead, sparking wild celebrations in the stands.
Real Madrid’s frustration boiled over moments later, as Antonio Rudiger was sent off after a reckless challenge — a final act of a bruising, brilliant contest.
Treble Dream Alive
This victory adds yet another major trophy to Barcelona’s cabinet this season after lifting the Spanish Super Cup earlier in the year — ironically after another rout of Madrid.
Now, Xavi’s men have the treble firmly in their sights: they lead La Liga by four points, and next face Inter Milan in the Champions League semifinals on Wednesday.
Saturday’s success — and three wins over Madrid this season — have underlined Barcelona’s resurgence, and they are peaking at exactly the right time.
More Than Just a Trophy
Beating Real Madrid is always sweet for Barcelona fans, but winning a final this dramatic and meaningful makes it even sweeter.
This latest Barca vs Madrid clash was more than a game; it was a war of nerves, a showcase of heart, and a statement that Barcelona are ready to dominate not just Spain, but Europe once again.
For Madrid, the loss stings deeply. Already knocked out of the Champions League by Arsenal, their season now hinges on trying to chase down Barcelona in La Liga — a task that looks increasingly unlikely.
Carlo Ancelotti’s future now hangs in the balance, with reports suggesting this defeat could be his last match in charge before a rumored switch to coach Brazil.
Barca vs Madrid: A Rivalry That Never Disappoints
Every time these two giants meet, something special happens — and Saturday night was no exception.
Pedri’s wonder goal, Mbappe’s brilliance, Torres’ cool finish, Kounde’s killer instinct — the Copa del Rey final reminded everyone why Barca vs Madrid remains the greatest rivalry in football.
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And if Barcelona do complete the treble this season, fans will look back at this night as one of the defining moments of an unforgettable year.
Final Score:
Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid (After Extra Time)
- Barcelona scorers: Pedri (28′), Ferran Torres (84′), Jules Kounde (116′)
- Real Madrid scorers: Mbappe (70′), Tchouameni (77′)
