FC Barcelona beat Real Madrid to lift 2024/2025 Copa Del Rey
FC Barcelona continued their impressive season run by beating Real Madrid in the 2024/2025 Copa del Rey final 3:2 on Saturday in a very explosive match that stretched into extra time. This win makes it the 32nd time the team is lifting the Copa del Rey. FC Barcelona have won six of the last ten editions and their overall haul has just got even bigger
From the very beginning, Barcelona dominated Real Madrid, outworking and outplaying them in the initial moments of the match. The attacking players relentlessly pressured the Madrid defense, which ultimately faltered under the constant strain. Barcelona maintained control of the ball for the majority of the match, and it was only a matter of time—just under thirty minutes—before they took the lead. Pedri passed to Lamine Yamal, who skillfully maneuvered around Fran Garcia before returning the ball to the midfielder, who found himself in ample space to score with a precise shot into the top-left corner from outside the penalty area.
Throughout the first half, Madrid posed no real threat to the Barcelona defense, which remained composed and confident. At halftime, Mbappe was brought on, and Los Blancos immediately began to threaten. Vinicius intercepted Pedri and narrowly missed the target, while Mbappe’s runs through the center began to create difficulties for Barcelona.
After being fouled by Frenkie de Jong, Mbappe took the resulting free-kick, striking it off the left post and into the net to equalize. Madrid’s offensive efforts continued, and when Aurelien Tchouameni scored with a header from a corner, they appeared poised to claim the championship. However, Yamal had different plans, assisting Ferran Torres, who rounded Courtois and slotted the ball into the empty net. With the score tied at 2-2 and seemingly heading for extra time, Raphinha evaded a challenge from Asencio and fell to the ground, winning a penalty.
Yet, after a VAR review, the penalty was rescinded, and the match proceeded to extra time. Fans hoping for the excitement of the second half to persist were left wanting. As both teams showed signs of fatigue and the game began to lose intensity, Kounde intercepted a pass ahead of Brahim Diaz and struck a low shot into the bottom corner. Just when Barcelona believed they had secured victory, Gavi fouled Mbappe in the penalty area, but the goal was disallowed due to an offside in the preceding play. As time elapsed, Barcelona emerged as the Copa del Rey champions.
