Barcelona pulled off a sensational 3-2 comeback win over Real Madrid in extra time on Saturday to capture a record-extending 32nd Copa del Rey title, igniting their push for a historic treble.
Early Spark from Pedri
Barcelona took control early at La Cartuja Stadium when Pedri González opened the scoring in the 28th minute. The young midfielder unleashed a brilliant long-range strike that left Real Madrid’s defense and goalkeeper with no chance.
Mbappé's Impact Off the Bench
Real Madrid, however, found a lifeline after halftime. Kylian Mbappé, introduced off the bench, made an immediate impact, bending a stunning free kick past Barcelona's wall and goalkeeper to level the match in the 70th minute.
Just seven minutes later, Real turned the tide. Aurélien Tchouaméni rose highest to meet a cross and sent a powerful header into the back of the net, giving Madrid a 2-1 advantage and pushing Barcelona onto the back foot.
Ferran Torres pushes the match into extra time
But Barcelona dragged breath and begged the game. The Livescore cracks announced in the 84th minute as Ferran Torres netted the crucial pot direction that pushed the game into extra time, still keeping the Catalan giant's dreams alive within reach.
Barcelona’s record vs Real Madrid this season:
Real Madrid 0-4 Barcelona
Real Madrid 2-5 Barcelona
Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid
Koundé seals it up in the 116th minute
It looked like both teams were exhausted from the extra time when Jules Koundé would prove to be the man who created the magic. With all his coolness maintained, he put away a beautiful, low shot into the bottom corner of Thibaut Courtois’ goal in the 116th minute. It was all history as the Barcelona bench erupted in the celebration of a step closer towards another legendary feat.
Treble remains in hopes
The Copa del Rey being already won for Barcelona has left the team focusing on an even bigger prize that they now lead by four points in La Liga above Real Madrid, awaiting first leg confrontation against Inter Milan on Wednesday in their UEFA Champions League semifinal. All wheels are on board in trying to get a treble this season, which would surely be carved into the memories of it all in club history.