The 2025 Copa del Rey final etched itself into footballing history as FC Barcelona edged out their fierce rivals, Real Madrid, in a pulsating 3-2 extra-time victory. Staged in the electric atmosphere of Seville’s La Cartuja Stadium, the match swung back and forth, showcasing the immense talent and competitive spirit of both sides. This triumph marked a significant step towards Barcelona’s pursuit of a coveted treble, with the Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan looming large on the horizon, alongside the culminating stages of the La Liga campaign. The victory infused the Catalan side with renewed confidence and momentum, setting the stage for a potentially historic end to their season.
The final itself was a spectacle of high-octane football. Barcelona initially seized control through Pedri’s first-half strike, dictating the tempo and creating numerous opportunities. However, Real Madrid, demonstrating their characteristic resilience, roared back into contention in the second half. Kylian Mbappé and Aurélien Tchouaméni orchestrated a swift turnaround, their goals stunning the Barcelona faithful and shifting the momentum dramatically. Just as the pendulum swung towards a Real Madrid victory, Ferran Torres emerged as Barcelona’s savior, netting a crucial equalizer in the 83rd minute to force extra time.
The added period proved to be equally dramatic. Controversy erupted when a VAR review resulted in a penalty claim for Barcelona being denied, fueling the already intense atmosphere. Ultimately, it was Jules Koundé who etched his name into Barcelona folklore, scoring the decisive goal in the 116th minute. His strike unleashed a wave of euphoria amongst the Barcelona supporters, their celebrations echoing through the stadium as the final whistle confirmed their hard-fought victory. Koundé’s goal not only secured the Copa del Rey but also injected a surge of belief into Barcelona’s treble aspirations.
Beyond the on-field action, the final was shrouded in controversy surrounding the officiating. Real Madrid had, in the days leading up to the match, expressed their profound discontent with the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), specifically targeting VAR official Pablo González Fuertes and head referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea. The club, via its official channel, Real Madrid TV, aired videos alleging referee bias and conflicts of interest, further escalating the tension surrounding the fixture. This pre-match unrest cast a shadow over the final, highlighting the deep-seated distrust between Real Madrid and the officiating body.
Real Madrid’s dissatisfaction manifested in a dramatic protest. The team, including manager Carlo Ancelotti, boycotted their training session in Seville on the eve of the final and refused to participate in the customary pre-match press conference. This unprecedented action underscored the gravity of their grievances and their unwavering stance against perceived injustices within the officiating system. Their protest served as a powerful statement, bringing the issue of refereeing integrity to the forefront of the footballing discourse.
The Copa del Rey final of 2025 served as a microcosm of the intense rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid. It was a match brimming with exhilarating moments of brilliance, dramatic twists and turns, and simmering controversy. While Barcelona celebrated their triumph and looked ahead to future challenges with renewed vigor, Real Madrid grappled with the disappointment of defeat and the ongoing battle with the officiating authorities. The fallout from the final extended far beyond the confines of the stadium, sparking debates and discussions that reverberated throughout the footballing world. Barcelona’s victory, while momentous, was inevitably intertwined with the contentious backdrop of Real Madrid’s protests, adding another layer of complexity to this historic encounter.
