WEBDESK: In an unforgettable Barca vs Real Madrid clash, Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 3-2 after extra time to win the Copa del Rey in Seville on Sunday.
After a 2-2 draw in 90 minutes and with penalties appearing inevitable, the Barcelona defender, Jules Kounde, took possession of the ball 22 yards out and drilled a fine effort into the bottom corner.
The Barca vs Real Madrid final started with Barcelona dominating the first half. Pedri scored a brilliant goal from outside the box after a great pass from Lamine Yamal . However, Real Madrid fought back after halftime. Kylian Mbappe, coming off the bench, curled in a stunning free-kick to level the score. Soon after, Aurelien Tchouameni’s powerful header gave Madrid the lead.
Barcelona, determined not to give up, equalized again when Ferran Torres rounded Thibaut Courtois to score. As the game went into extra time, the tension in the Barca vs Real Madrid battle grew even stronger. With penalties looming, Jules Kounde fired a rocket from 22 yards out into the bottom corner in the 116th minute, giving Barcelona the win.
The match also saw controversy when a penalty awarded to Barcelona was overturned after a long VAR review. To add to the drama, Real Madrid’s Antonio Rudiger and Lucas Vazquez were shown red cards from the bench in the final moments.
Referee takes center stage
The pre-match build-up had focused on referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea and Real Madrid.
Real’s TV channel published a video criticising the referee in various aspects, as they have done with other officials, and he talked about the impact that had on him at an emotional news conference on Friday.
The club distributed highly critical press releases that evening, but denied reports they could pull out of the game.
That backdrop for the Barca vs Real Madrid match meant every decision the referee made was going to be under scrutiny, but to neutral observers there were none too controversial.
Both teams had goals ruled out for clear offsides in the Barca vs Real Madrid clash – and Mbappe was denied a penalty for another clear offside in the build-up.
But the major talking point for the Barca vs Real Madrid game came in the 96th minute with the game at 2-2.
Asencio slid in on Raphinha, and De Burgos Bengoetxea pointed to the spot. But after a check of over three minutes he came back and booked Raphinha for diving before overturning the decision.
Carlo Ancelotti to be replaced after Barca vs Real Madrid clash?
Former Bayern Munich boss Flick has now won all three Clasicos since taking charge of Barca in the summer.
One was the Spanish Super Cup final, but this counts as his first major trophy with the Catalans.
Conversely, it could have been Carlo Ancelotti’s last chance to add one final crown at Real. The Italian legend is widely expected to be replaced at the end of the season – and they sit four points behind La Liga leaders Barca, although there is one more Clasico to come in the league.
The next Barca vs Real Madrid match, set for May 11 in La Liga, could decide who wins the Spanish league title.
Read more: Real Madrid reaches Copa Del Rey final after thrilling draw
