FC Barcelona were crowned champions of the Copa del Rey 2025 after beating Real Madrid 3-2 in a final on 26 April at the Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville. The Spanish derby turned into a memorable battle that kept fans of both teams on the edge of their seats. Although Real Madrid showed great resilience to come from behind, Barça managed to overcome their opponents in an emotionally charged extra time. The victory not only marked the 32nd Copa del Rey title for the Blaugranas, but also reaffirmed the team’s dominance in domestic competitions, making it clear that the club remains a giant in Spanish football.
Barcelona took the initiative from the start of the game and managed to take an early lead thanks to a combination between Gavi and Pedri, which culminated in a goal from the Canary Islander after a great through ball. Real Madrid’s response was not long in coming, and after an individual move by Mbappé, they levelled the score, taking advantage of a defensive lapse by Barça. Madrid’s momentum continued, and before the break, Tchouaméni put his side ahead with an accurate finish from a cross from the flank. Just when it looked like Los Blancos would take the win, Ferran Torres popped up to equalise after a deflected ball was deflected in by the defence. In extra time, Barça showed more energy and ambition, and it was Jules Koundé who, after joining the attack on the wing, sealed the game with a header that sealed a hard-fought but deserved victory for the blaugranas.
Controversial incidents and sanctions
Controversial incidents and penaltiesThe match, however, was marked by a number of controversial refereeing decisions. One of the most contentious occurred when Kylian Mbappé was brought down in extra time in an action that many considered to be a penalty, but which the referee did not sanction. The situation escalated when Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger threw an ice cube at referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, who, after reviewing the play, decided to sanction the player with a red card and a six-match suspension. This incident left a stain on what would otherwise have been an exemplary football final.
The tension did not end there, as in the final minutes of the game, Lucas Vázquez and Jude Bellingham were sent off for protesting in an inordinate manner at refereeing decisions. Both players displayed aggressive behaviour, which culminated in them being sent off for unsporting behaviour. After the match, Rüdiger publicly apologised for his attitude and expressed his regret, acknowledging that the behaviour was inappropriate in such an important final. Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti also addressed the refereeing decisions at a press conference, but avoided direct criticism of the referee, although he acknowledged that his players had let control of the game slip at various times.
The impact and repercussions of the title
FC Barcelona’s victory in the Copa del Rey not only had a huge sporting impact, but also in the media and social sphere. The final was watched by millions of fans around the world, reaching a global audience of approximately 450 million viewers, further cementing the popularity of the Copa del Rey as one of the most attractive competitions in European football. The match was broadcast in more than 180 countries, with thousands of people flocking to bars and squares to watch the derby live.
This title comes at a crucial moment for Barcelona, who have shown a clear improvement in their performance under Hansi Flick. The Copa del Rey victory also gives them a morale boost as they face the final stretch of the season in La Liga and the Champions League, where they will be looking to regain international prominence. On the other hand, Real Madrid, who arrived as one of the favourites, will have to reflect on their mistakes and make adjustments to face the upcoming challenges.
