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In the late hours in Seville, as fatigue settled in, Jules Koundé mustered the energy to launch a shot that ultimately found the back of the net, igniting celebrations among the Barcelona supporters positioned behind the goal. Fireworks illuminated the night sky as players in blue and red rushed toward him, marking a triumph in the Copa del Rey final—the first meeting between the two clubs in this context in over a decade. The match saw both teams take turns in the lead, with Barcelona securing a 3-2 victory over Real Madrid.
This contest could be described as having multiple dynamics—a complex interplay of four distinct segments that were nothing short of thrilling. At the heart of a pivotal moment was Koundé, following goals from Pedri, Kylian Mbappé, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Ferran Torres. Although tensions rose around officiating, especially amid Real Madrid’s pre-match boycotts and criticisms of the referees, it was ultimately the match officials who became central figures at a crucial juncture.
Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea, who expressed emotion at the pre-game press conference leading to the controversy, awarded Barcelona a penalty with just 30 seconds of regulation time left. However, after consultation with VAR representative Pablo González Fuertes—whose comments about officials had stirred discontent among Madrid—Bengoetxea reviewed the decision. As the clock wound down, the penalty was rescinded, pushing the match into extra time and setting the stage for Koundé’s defining moment.
Despite the tension between the teams, it was fortunate that Madrid chose not to withdraw from the match. They played valiantly in a captivating final that oscillated in momentum, showcasing intense performances from weary players and demonstrating immense respect for the competition—especially when compared to the previous day’s events. Ultimately, Barcelona’s high defensive line and aggressive style led them to lift the trophy, despite Madrid’s frustration over the match’s outcome.
The emotional toll on both teams was palpable, particularly in a game that shifted dramatically throughout. Madrid struggled to gain possession in the early moments, with Barcelona quickly asserting dominance, leading to a beautiful opening goal from Pedri.
Madrid had moments that could have leveled the score, but three offside calls thwarted their attempts. Barcelona seemed largely in control until the second half, which shifted dramatically with the entrance of Mbappé, accompanied by a renewed intensity from other key players like Arda Güler and Luka Modric. This resurgence revitalized Madrid’s spirit; they now seized the opportunity to capitalize on Barcelona’s vulnerabilities.
The equalizing goal came when Frenkie de Jong fouled Mbappé, igniting protests among Madrid supporters who pushed for a red card. Instead, Madrid gained a more favorable outcome—a free-kick that Mbappé expertly converted into the net. Celebrating his goal, he mimicked Cristiano Ronaldo’s classic gesture to the crowd, signaling his arrival as a key player in the match.
Following this, a sense of urgency consumed Madrid as they perceived an opportunity for dominance. This drive culminated with Tchouaméni heading that established their lead, eliciting wild celebrations among the Madrid squad.
However, as jubilation turned to worry, defender Antonio Rüdiger required attention due to a leg injury. This became significant when six minutes before time, he was unable to keep pace with Torres, who capitalized on a brilliant pass from Lamine Yamal. Torres composedly slotted the ball past Courtois, equaling the score once again.
As the match drew to a close, a tense moment unfolded when Raphinha went down in a challenge from Raúl Asencio, leading to a decision from Bengoetxea regarding another penalty assessment. After much deliberation and external pressure, he ultimately reversed his call, denying the penalty claim.
The match transitioned into extra time, with both teams exchanging intense attacks, each player teetering on the edge of fatigue. Opportunities presented themselves—Ferran just missed, Bellingham attempted a diving header, and an Mbappé penalty was ruled off by another accurate offside call. Then came Koundé’s decisive moment, sealing the match in a thrilling finish.
Source
www.theguardian.com