Credited from: SCMP
In a thrilling Copa del Rey final held at Seville's La Cartuja stadium, Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 3-2 in extra time, claiming their record-extending 32nd title. The match concluded dramatically with a goal from Jules Kounde in the 116th minute, sealing the victory for Barcelona, who are also eyeing the LaLiga and Champions League titles this season, according to Channel News Asia and Al Jazeera.
Barcelona's Pedri opened the scoring with a curling shot in the 28th minute; however, Real Madrid surged back in the second half, equalizing through Kylian Mbappe's free kick in the 70th minute. The momentum shifted further when Aurelien Tchouameni scored just seven minutes later, giving Real a 2-1 lead. Ferran Torres equalized for Barcelona in the 84th minute, pushing the match into extra time, as noted by Reuters and SCMP.
The match was marked by heightened tensions, with three Real Madrid players receiving red cards during and after the game. Antonio Rudiger and Lucas Vazquez were dismissed for dissent, while Jude Bellingham was carded after the final whistle for unsportsmanlike conduct. The fiery conclusion of the match reflected the significant rivalry between the two teams, as highlighted by Ancelotti's post-match comments regarding the officiating and the performance of his players, according to Channel News Asia and Reuters.
Despite Real Madrid's drastic failures in management and injury concerns, including losing their star player Mbappe to an ankle injury earlier in the campaign, they managed to put forth a competitive effort. Ancelotti remarked, "We were close to winning," illustrating the intensity of the clash, as reported by SCMP.
This latest encounter adds another chapter to the storied rivalry of the two teams, with Barcelona securing their first major trophy under coach Hansi Flick. Just days ahead of the Champions League semi-finals, Barcelona's victory is celebrated by their supporters, while Real Madrid now focuses on defending their position in LaLiga, as pointed out by Al Jazeera and Reuters.