FC Barcelona have moved a step closer to their dream of a historic treble after defeating Real Madrid 3-2 in a thrilling 2025 Copa del Rey final held in Seville on Saturday.
With the trophy secured, the Catalans now gear up for a critical stretch in their season, beginning with Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League semifinal first leg against Inter Milan, alongside the decisive final rounds of the Spanish La Liga campaign.
Saturday’s final delivered plenty of drama, requiring extra time after both sides finished the initial 90 minutes locked at 2-2. Ultimately, it was Jules Koundé who sealed the victory for Hansi Flick’s side, netting a late goal just five minutes before the end of extra time.
Pedri had opened the scoring for Barça during the first half, giving them control of the match. However, the tide shifted in the second half when Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé and Aurélien Tchouaméni struck in quick succession, overturning the lead.
Just when defeat seemed imminent for Barcelona, Ferran Torres equalized in the 83rd minute. Shortly after, controversy struck when referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, following a VAR review, chose not to award a penalty to Barcelona.
It was Koundé’s decisive goal in the 116th minute that sent the Barça fans inside La Cartuja Stadium into a frenzy that continued until the final whistle.
Real Madrid embroiled in referee controversy
Off the pitch, Real Madrid’s frustrations with officiating took center stage. Even before kickoff, the Spanish giants had already expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), VAR official Pablo González Fuertes, and head referee Burgos Bengoetxea.
Through their official channel, Real Madrid TV, the club had been airing videos denouncing what they see as referee bias and conflicts of interest.
In protest, Real Madrid players and manager Carlo Ancelotti skipped their training session in Seville on Friday and refused to participate in the pre-match press conference.
