Kounde’s Late Strike Secures Copa del Rey Triumph for Barcelona
In a thrilling Copa del Rey Clasico final held at La Cartuja, Barcelona emerged victorious over Real Madrid with a dramatic 3-2 win, thanks to Jules Kounde’s decisive goal in extra time. This victory marks Barcelona’s first major trophy under coach Hansi Flick and their record-extending 32nd Spanish cup.
The match began with Barcelona taking an early lead in the 28th minute, as Pedri delivered a stunning shot from the edge of the box. However, Real Madrid responded fiercely in the second half. Kylian Mbappe, coming off the bench, equalized in the 70th minute with a perfectly executed free-kick. Just minutes later, Aurelien Tchouameni put Madrid ahead with a header from a corner.
Ferran Torres kept Barcelona’s hopes alive when he equalized in the 84th minute, pushing the match into extra time. The game shifted in Barcelona’s favor when Kounde intercepted a misplaced pass from Luka Modric and unleashed a powerful shot, clinching the trophy for his team.
The match was fraught with tension, highlighted by Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger’s late dismissal for throwing an object at the referee. Despite a minor injury setback to Madrid’s Ferland Mendy early in the game and Mbappe’s initial benching due to an ankle issue, the excitement was palpable as both teams battled fiercely for supremacy.
Barcelona, who had previously dominated this season’s encounters against Madrid, will now look forward to their next clash in LaLiga, which could potentially influence the title race. Both clubs’ rivalry promises to continue, with the aftershocks of this intense final likely to echo for the remainder of the season.
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