Real Madrid’s Turkish prodigy Arda Guler electrified the pitch with a key assist after coming on midway through the Copa del Rey final on Saturday, but Barcelona dashed Madrid’s hopes with a nail-biting 3-2 triumph after extra time.
Barcelona’s triumph secured their record-extending 32nd Copa del Rey title.
The opening goal arrived at La Cartuja Stadium in Sevilla, where Pedri successfully converted a cross from Lamine Yamal in the 28th minute.
Real Madrid found it difficult to create opportunities early on, failing to produce a shot on target before conceding. Although Jude Bellingham appeared to equalize, his goal was disallowed, and an earlier penalty awarded to Vinicius Jr. was overturned following an offside ruling.
Barcelona carried a narrow 1-0 advantage into halftime; however, the momentum shifted after the break, with Real Madrid mounting a stronger offensive display.
Real Madrid leveled the match in the 70th minute when Kylian Mbappe curled in a free kick from just outside the penalty area. Shortly thereafter, Aurelien Tchouameni capitalized on an Arda Guler corner, sending a powerful header into the net to put Madrid ahead 2-1.
Barcelona responded swiftly as Ferran Torres found the back of the net in the 84th minute, assisted once again by the promising Lamine Yamal.
In the 95th minute, Barcelona was initially awarded a penalty after Raul Asencio was judged to have fouled Raphinha, though the decision was reversed following a review by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
The decisive blow was dealt in the 116th minute when Barcelona’s defender Jules Kounde scored, calmly slotting the ball past the Madrid goalkeeper to restore their lead.
Madrid’s appeals for a late penalty were dismissed after another VAR review, and the intensity of the match culminated with Antonio Rudiger and Lucas Vazquez being sent off from the bench for dissent.
Following the final whistle, King Felipe VI presented Barcelona with the trophy, reinforcing their position as the most successful club in Copa del Rey history.
