Koundé scores decisive goal at 10th minute of extra time, putting Barcelona ahead of Real Madrid in Copa del Rey final

The Copa del Rey final between Barcelona and Real Madrid, played at La Cartuja stadium in Seville, has been a breathtaking spectacle, with Barcelona taking a 3-2 lead up to the 11th minute of the second extra-time period, thanks to a crucial goal by Jules Koundé at the 10th minute. The match, which saw Barcelona open the scoring with Pedri and regain the lead with Ferran Torres, featured a Real Madrid comeback with goals from Kylian Mbappé and Aurélien Tchouaméni, and a dramatic draw in regular time. A penalty awarded to Raphinha at the 54th minute of the second half was overturned by VAR, leading to extra time, where Koundé’s goal has given Barcelona the edge. The game, still ongoing, keeps the packed stadium in a frenzy with intense plays and a rivalry that pulses in every moment.

Barcelona started the match with a dominant approach, controlling possession and pressing Real Madrid from the opening minutes. Under Hansi Flick’s guidance, the Catalans exploited the flanks with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, while Pedri orchestrated the midfield. Real Madrid, more cautious in the first half, relied on counterattacks led by Vinícius Júnior but gained momentum in the second half with Mbappé’s introduction. Extra time brought a balanced game, with strategic substitutions like Pau Víctor for Barcelona and Endrick for Real Madrid, but it was Koundé who shone, putting Barcelona ahead.

The rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid, absent from the Copa del Rey final since 2014, elevates the clash to a unique level. La Cartuja stadium, with around 60,000 fans, is a cauldron of emotions, despite pre-game incidents like a brawl resulting in one arrest. Koundé’s goal, combined with Endrick’s presence, keeps anticipation sky-high, with Barcelona aiming to hold their lead and Real Madrid fighting for a late comeback in the final minutes of extra time.

Catalan dominance in the first half

Barcelona took the field with a clear strategy: suffocate Real Madrid with possession and high pressing. As early as the 6th minute, Ferran Torres nearly scored after a low cross, but Tchouaméni made a vital clearance. The Catalan side maintained the intensity, and at the 15th minute, Raphinha crossed for Torres, who was blocked by Valverde in a controversial moment where Barcelona demanded a penalty for a handball. The referee, however, deemed Valverde’s arm in a natural position and let play continue.

At the 18th minute, Lamine Yamal showcased his talent with a low shot that skimmed past Thibaut Courtois’ post. The Belgian goalkeeper, a key figure for Real Madrid, made crucial saves, such as at the 20th minute, when he parried a dangerous header from Jules Koundé off a Raphinha free kick. Barcelona’s dominance was cemented at the 28th minute when Pedri scored a screamer, striking a first-time shot into the top corner after a pass from Yamal, leaving Courtois helpless.

Real Madrid struggled to create in the first half, managing their first real chance only at the 22nd minute, when Rodrygo found Fran García in the box, but the full-back was blocked at the moment of shooting. In stoppage time, Vinícius Júnior won a penalty, overturned for offside, prompting complaints from Carlo Ancelotti, who was booked with a yellow card. The first half ended with Barcelona leading 1-0, but Real showed signs of a potential fightback in the second half.

• Key moments of the first half:
  • 6’: Ferran Torres nearly scores, but Tchouaméni clears a cross in the box.
  • 15’: Valverde blocks Ferran Torres’ shot, and Barcelona demands a penalty.
  • 18’: Lamine Yamal shoots low, nearly opening the scoring.
  • 20’: Courtois makes a great save on Koundé’s header.
  • 28’: Pedri scores a stunning goal with a top-corner strike.

Real Madrid’s second-half comeback

The second half began with a pivotal change for Real Madrid: Kylian Mbappé, who started on the bench due to an ankle sprain, replaced Rodrygo. The Frenchman’s presence brought more dynamism to the merengue attack, which started exploiting counterattacks. At the 3rd minute, Vinícius Júnior had two clear chances, both stopped by spectacular saves from Wojciech Szczesny, who emerged as one of Barcelona’s standout performers.

At the 9th minute, the introductions of Arda Güler and Luka Modric, replacing Dani Ceballos and Lucas Vázquez, added creativity to Real’s midfield. The game opened up, and by the 12th minute, it became an end-to-end affair. Raphinha squandered a counterattack opportunity, while Vinícius Júnior threatened with a cross-shot. Real’s equalizer came at the 24th minute when Mbappé struck a precise free kick into Szczesny’s right corner, the ball clipping the post before going in.

Real Madrid’s comeback was completed at the 31st minute on a corner taken by Güler. Tchouaméni rose above the defense and headed powerfully past Szczesny. The goal spurred Real on, who nearly extended their lead at the 28th minute when Vinícius Júnior set up Mbappé, but Cubarsí made a crucial block. Barcelona, however, refused to back down and began reorganizing their attack, setting the stage for their subsequent response with Ferran Torres.

Catalan response and dramatic draw

At the 36th minute, Lamine Yamal nearly equalized with an individual play, cutting inside and shooting across goal, but Courtois made a spectacular save, palming the ball out for a corner. Two minutes later, at the 38th minute, Barcelona drew level with a stunning goal from Ferran Torres. Yamal delivered a perfect pass behind Rüdiger, and Torres, with composure, dribbled past Courtois and slotted into an empty net, sending the Catalan fans into a frenzy.

The substitution of Gerard Martín for Ronald Araujo at the 39th minute bolstered Barcelona’s defense, which had been struggling with the pace of Vinícius and Mbappé. At the 40th minute, Gavi replaced Frenkie de Jong, bringing more energy to the midfield. Barcelona kept pressing, and at the 50th minute, Raphinha won a penalty, but the VAR overturned the call, deeming it a simulation, resulting in a yellow card for the Brazilian and heated protests from Real Madrid. The 2-2 draw led to extra time.

Thrilling extra time with Koundé’s goal

Extra time began with both teams pushing for a goal, but Barcelona created the better chances in the first period. Ferran Torres threatened at the 13th minute with a cross-shot that narrowly missed the post, while Real Madrid responded with plays from Mbappé, neutralized by Cubarsí. Eric García’s entry for Pedri at the 7th minute strengthened Barcelona’s defense, while Real Madrid brought on Endrick, the tournament’s top scorer, at the 4th minute of the second extra period, replacing Rüdiger.

The second extra period brought even more drama. At the 9th minute, Pau Víctor replaced Ferran Torres, injecting fresh legs into Barcelona’s attack. A minute later, at the 10th minute, Jules Koundé scored the goal that put Barcelona ahead. Capitalizing on a move in the box, the right-back finished with precision, silencing the merengue fans and giving the Catalans the lead. Real Madrid, with Endrick on the pitch, tried to respond, but Barcelona’s defense, led by Cubarsí and Araujo, held firm.

• Decisive moments up to the 11th minute of the second extra period:
  • 28’ (1st half): Pedri opens the scoring with a top-corner strike after a pass from Yamal.
  • 24’ (2nd half): Mbappé equalizes with a free kick into Szczesny’s right corner.
  • 31’ (2nd half): Tchouaméni scores the go-ahead goal with a header from Güler’s corner.
  • 38’ (2nd half): Ferran Torres draws level after a pass from Yamal.
  • 10’ (2nd half extra time): Koundé scores the goal that gives Barcelona the lead.

Historic rivalry and the match’s weight

The classic between Barcelona and Real Madrid is one of football’s greatest, and this Copa del Rey final adds another chapter to this storied rivalry. Their last final meeting in 2014 saw Real win 2-1, highlighted by Gareth Bale’s iconic goal. For Barcelona, the title would be a significant step toward a potential “treble,” while Real Madrid, now trailing after Koundé’s goal, fights to overturn the scoreline.

The absence of Robert Lewandowski, injured, and Mbappé’s limited fitness make the clash unpredictable. Players like Yamal, Koundé, and Tchouaméni, representing the new generation, have shone, while veterans like Modric and Courtois bring experience. The refereeing controversy, with Real skipping pre-game events, added tension, but the players remain focused on their performances.

La Cartuja stadium, packed to capacity, mirrors the fans’ passion, despite incidents like a pre-game brawl resulting in one arrest. The atmosphere is electric, with chants echoing through the stands. Koundé’s goal, paired with Endrick’s presence, keeps anticipation at fever pitch, with Barcelona aiming to hold their lead and Real pushing for a historic comeback.

Goalkeepers’ performances and defensive challenges

The goalkeepers have been central figures. Wojciech Szczesny, standing in for Barcelona’s Marc-André ter Stegen, made crucial saves, especially against Vinícius Júnior, keeping his team in contention. Thibaut Courtois, for Real Madrid, also excelled, with interventions like the save on Yamal’s shot at the 36th minute of the second half. In extra time, Courtois remained solid but couldn’t stop Koundé’s goal, while Szczesny held a weak shot from Güler.

Defensively, both teams face challenges. Barcelona’s high line leaves gaps for Real’s counterattacks, now fueled by Endrick and Mbappé. Cubarsí and Koundé have stood out in the Catalan defense, with the latter scoring the decisive goal, but they need focus. For Real, Mendy’s first-half exit and Rüdiger’s extra-time substitution highlight vulnerabilities, with Militao and Asencio under pressure to contain the opposition.

Timeline of key moments

The match has been packed with moments that shaped its course. Below is a chronology of the main events up to the 11th minute of the second extra period:

• 28’ (1st half): Pedri opens the scoring with a top-corner strike after a pass from Yamal.
• 24’ (2nd half): Mbappé equalizes with a free kick into Szczesny’s right corner.
• 31’ (2nd half): Tchouaméni scores the go-ahead goal with a header from Güler’s corner.
• 38’ (2nd half): Ferran Torres draws level after a pass from Yamal.
• 10’ (2nd half extra time): Koundé scores the goal that gives Barcelona the lead.

Impact of substitutions and tactical strategies

Substitutions have been pivotal. For Barcelona, Gavi’s entry at the 40th minute brought energy, while Ronald Araujo and Eric García bolstered the defense. Pau Víctor’s substitution for Ferran Torres at the 9th minute of extra time aimed to maintain offensive momentum. For Real Madrid, Vinícius Júnior’s exit at the 43rd minute, replaced by Brahim Díaz, was a bold move by Ancelotti, while Endrick’s entry for Rüdiger in extra time brought fresh hope to the attack.

Hansi Flick maintains a possession-based, high-pressing strategy that excelled in the first half but required adjustments to counter Real’s breakaways. Ancelotti transformed Real into a more direct side, leveraging Mbappé and Endrick’s speed. In extra time, both coaches seek balance, with players like Koundé and Bellingham pivotal.

Atmosphere in Seville and fans’ passion

La Cartuja stadium is alive with the energy of Barcelona and Real Madrid fans, creating a spectacle of its own. A pre-game clash between supporters led to one arrest, but security was tightened to prevent further incidents. On the pitch, the players seem unfazed, delivering a high-level technical and emotional performance.

The rivalry is felt in every chant, turning the stadium into a cauldron. The Copa del Rey final, with its rich history, is a celebration of Spanish football, captivating millions worldwide. The bond between players and fans is clear, with every goal, save, and controversial call met with fervent cheers or protests.

Extra time with everything on the line

With Barcelona leading 3-2 after Koundé’s goal, extra time tests the endurance of both teams. Barcelona, buoyed by the goal, relies on the defensive solidity of Cubarsí and Araujo to hold their lead, while Real Madrid, with Endrick on the pitch, bets on their top scorer to equalize or turn the game. The match remains unpredictable, with both sides creating chances and battling for every ball.

The technical quality on display is remarkable, with youngsters like Yamal and Tchouaméni shining alongside veterans like Modric and Courtois. The final, already one of the most thrilling Copa del Rey clashes, promises an epic conclusion in extra time, with Koundé as a potential Barcelona hero and Endrick as Real Madrid’s hope.

• Factors that could influence extra time:
  • Barcelona’s defensive solidity, led by Koundé and Cubarsí.
  • Endrick’s ability to make a difference with his finishing.
  • The performances of goalkeepers Szczesny and Courtois, who have made decisive saves.
  • The teams’ physical condition after over 100 minutes of high intensity.

Expectations for the final minutes of extra time

As extra time progresses, the expectation is that the closing minutes will be breathtaking. Barcelona must stay focused to protect their lead, while Real Madrid, with Endrick on the field, will push for an equalizer or a comeback. The rivalry, combined with the players’ quality, ensures a spectacle worthy of the classic’s history.

The Copa del Rey final, played in a packed stadium and watched by millions, is a celebration of football. Every play reflects the passion and competitiveness that make Barcelona and Real Madrid global benchmarks. Extra time, with Barcelona in the lead, continues to write the story of one of football’s greatest rivalries.