Jules Koundé's Extra-Time Thunderbolt Seals Barcelona's Epic Copa del Rey Win Over Real Madrid in Seville

Jules Koundé’s Extra-Time Thunderbolt Seals Barcelona’s Epic Copa del Rey Win Over Real Madrid in Seville

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Following a nail-biting 2-2 tie at full-time, with penalties looming, Jules Koundé emerged the hero for Barcelona in a jaw-dropping extra-time climax. The French center-back pounced on the ball from 22 yards and smashed a powerful drive into the bottom corner, sealing Barcelona’s Copa del Rey victory.

Barcelona had been in control during the first half, opening the scoring with a spectacular first-time strike from Pedri, set up by Lamine Yamal’s precise cut-back.

Real Madrid responded after Kylian Mbappé entered the fray, transforming the game. The Frenchman curled a superb free-kick, which he had won himself, into the bottom corner off the post. Aurelien Tchouameni’s header from an Arda Güler corner then put Real ahead.

But Barcelona responded. Ferran Torres sprinted onto a long pass from Yamal, beat goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, and scored coolly to tie the game 2-2.

The drama continued. In injury time, Barcelona had a penalty after Raul Asencio tackled Raphinha, but the decision, following a long VAR review, was reversed, Raphinha receiving a yellow card for simulation. The game went into extra time, in which Koundé’s goal clinched the tie.

A Referee Under Scrutiny

The game was marred by controversy over the referee, Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea. Real Madrid’s TV station had posted a video criticizing his refereeing, building the tension ahead of the game. The referee’s decisions during the game were questioned, but ultimately they did not seem excessively contentious — with the exception of the penalty call that was overturned.

Tempers flared at the final whistle. Real’s Antonio Rudiger and Lucas Vazquez were both shown straight red cards for their aggressive protests on the pitch. Jude Bellingham was also sent off for confronting officials post-match.

Flick’s Major Triumph vs. Ancelotti’s Future

For Hansi Flick, it is his first major title with Barcelona, after already having won a Spanish Super Cup at the start of the season. Under Flick, Barcelona has now won all three Clasicos.

Meanwhile, the future of Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid remains uncertain. This might have been his last opportunity to bring silverware to the club, and with Barcelona now four points clear in La Liga, the pressure is growing as the season reaches its final stages.

Looking Ahead

Barcelona, deprived of star striker Robert Lewandowski, can now target a historic treble. With a Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan on the cards and a vital La Liga Clasico in May, nothing could be higher.

The last Clasico of the season will prove to be a make-or-break moment in the fight for Spanish dominance, while Real Madrid need to get their act together to save whatever is left of their campaign.