Football: Real Madrid 2 - 3 Barcelona

Jules Koundé struck a sensational extra-time winner as Barcelona edged past Real Madrid to lift the Copa del Rey.

This brought an enthralling Clásico in Seville to a dramatic conclusion.

Author - Peter Grainger

With the match finely poised at 2-2 after 120 minutes and the prospect of penalties looming, the French defender collected the ball 22 yards from goal and rifled a low drive into the bottom corner.

The calm before the storm...
Copa Del Rey final | Barca v Real Madrid

Barcelona had dominated the first half and took a deserved lead through Pedri, who swept in a superb first-time effort from outside the area after a clever cut-back by Lamine Yamal.

Real Madrid, however, were transformed following the introduction of Kylian Mbappé. The France international, brought on from the bench, won a free-kick and bent it into the bottom corner via the inside of the post.

Aurélien Tchouaméni then put Madrid ahead, rising highest to nod in from Arda Güler’s corner.

Barcelona responded with composure. Ferran Torres latched onto a long ball from Yamal, rounded Thibaut Courtois and calmly slotted in the equaliser.

There was late controversy when Barcelona were awarded a penalty in stoppage time after a challenge by Raúl Asencio on Raphinha, only for the decision to be overturned following a lengthy VAR review.

Koundé’s goal, his fourth of the season, eventually settled the contest in extra time and delivered the trophy for Hansi Flick’s side.

Scenes from the Barcelona end of the ground

Tensions boiled over in the closing stages, with Antonio Rüdiger and Lucas Vázquez both shown straight red cards from the Madrid bench. After the final whistle, Jude Bellingham was also dismissed for confronting the officials in protest.

The match was the first Clásico final in a major competition since 2014, when Gareth Bale memorably secured a late 2-1 victory for Real Madrid.

Best reaction to a dramatic night

Liam watched the match a neutral on TV, saying: "What an incredible match. The drama was enthralling."

This was a view supported by Jack who managed to get a ticket to the match. He said: "Amazing atmosphere from both sets of fans and a remarkable two hours of football. Barcelona probably deserved the win and you get the impression that Real Madrid will want revenge the next time they play."

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