Barcelona wins Copa Del Rey final against Real Madrid in thrilling El Clásico

Jules Kounde lashed home a dramatic extra-time winner as Barcelona beat Real Madrid 3-2 in a thrilling Copa del Rey final, claiming their second major trophy under Hansi Flick after a fiery Clasico in Seville.

After a 2-2 draw across 90 minutes, the Barcelona defender struck from 22 yards out, drilling a powerful shot into the bottom corner to decide the first Clasico Copa Del Rey final since 2014.

Barcelona dominated the early exchanges and were rewarded when Pedri rifled a superb first-time finish from outside the area after a cut-back from teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.

Real Madrid, struggling to gain a foothold, turned to Kylian Mbappe after the break. The French star made an immediate impact, winning and converting a free-kick that clipped the inside of the post on its way in during the 70th minute.

7 minutes later, Aurelien Tchouameni headed Real into the lead from an Arda Guler corner, only for Ferran Torres to bring Barcelona level once again.

Running onto a long ball from Yamal, Torres rounded Thibaut Courtois and coolly finished.

Drama escalated in injury time when Barcelona were awarded a penalty after Raul Asencio’s challenge on Raphinha.

However, following a lengthy video assistant referee (VAR) check lasting over three minutes, the decision was overturned, with Raphinha booked for simulation.

Extra time beckoned and Kounde delivered the decisive moment, firing in his fourth goal of the season. Real Madrid's frustrations boiled over late on as Antonio Rudiger, already substituted, was shown a straight red card after an altercation with the referee.

The match had already been set against a backdrop of controversy. In the build-up, Real Madrid publicly criticised referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea through official channels and emotional press conferences.

Every decision on the night was scrutinised heavily, but most key calls appeared straightforward, with clear offsides ruling out goals for both teams.

The decisive flashpoint came in the 96th minute when Asencio’s tackle on Raphinha initially resulted in a penalty, only to be rescinded.

Tensions exploded again when a late foul was awarded against Mbappe, leading to chaotic scenes as Vinicius Jr and Rudiger stormed onto the pitch.

As the final whistle blew, Barcelona celebrated a hard-fought and emotional victory, while Real Madrid were left ruing missed opportunities and another night of controversy.