FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid: 2025 Copa del Rey Final Highlights

The 2025 Copa del Rey final, held on April 26 at the Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville, was a monumental clash between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, known globally as El Clásico. This match, part of the 123rd edition of Spain’s oldest football competition, captivated fans worldwide with its drama, skill, and intensity. Barcelona emerged victorious with a 3-2 win after extra time, claiming their 32nd Copa del Rey title in a game that lived up to the hype of the Barcelona vs. Real Madrid rivalry.

Contents

Historical Context of El Clásico in Copa del Rey Match Preview The lineups for the match were as follows:⚽ Match Overview: A Classic for the Ages Key Moments Where to Watch Highlights and Replays Impact and Significance 📹 Barcelona vs. Real Madrid Match Highlights Conclusion

Historical Context of El Clásico in Copa del Rey

The rivalry between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid is one of the most storied in sports, with 260 competitive matches played before this final. In the Copa del Rey, their encounters are particularly significant, with the last final between them occurring in 2014, where Real Madrid won 2-1. Barcelona leads the all-time Copa del Rey title count with 32, while Real Madrid has secured 20. The 2025 final marked the first time in over a decade that these two giants faced off in the competition’s showpiece event, adding to the anticipation surrounding the match.

Team	Copa del Rey Titles	Last Title
FC Barcelona	32	2025
Real Madrid	20	2014
Athletic Bilbao	24	2024

Match Preview

The 2025 Copa del Rey final was a high-stakes affair, with both teams fielding formidable lineups. FC Barcelona, under the guidance of coach Hansi Flick, relied on stars like Pedri, Jules Koundé, and Ferran Torres, with additional support from players like Iñigo Martínez and Gerard Martín. Real Madrid, managed by Carlo Ancelotti, boasted talents such as Kylian Mbappé, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Brahim Díaz. The match, held at the 57,000-capacity Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville, was the third El Clásico of the 2024-25 season, with Barcelona having won the previous two encounters in La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup.

The lineups for the match were as follows:

FC Barcelona: Szczesny, Koundé, Cubarsí, Iñigo Martínez, Gerard Martín, Pedri, De Jong, Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha, Ferran Torres.

Real Madrid: Courtois, Valverde, Asencio, Rüdiger, Mendy, Tchouaméni, Modrić, Bellingham, Rodrygo, Vinícius, Mbappé.

The referee, Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, faced scrutiny before the match, with Real Madrid TV broadcasting a video criticizing his past decisions, alleging bias toward Barcelona. Despite the controversy, the focus remained on the pitch, where both teams were determined to claim the Copa del Rey trophy.

⚽ Match Overview: A Classic for the Ages

The 2025 Copa del Rey final was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams showcasing their attacking prowess. Real Madrid struck first, with Kylian Mbappé scoring early to give Los Blancos the lead. Barcelona responded before halftime, with Pedri finding the net to level the score. The second half saw Real Madrid regain the advantage through a goal by Aurélien Tchouaméni, but Ferran Torres equalized for Barcelona, forcing the match into extra time.

In extra time, Jules Koundé emerged as the hero for Barcelona, scoring a stunning goal in the 116th minute to secure a 3-2 victory. Koundé’s goal, described as one of the greats in club history, came after he intercepted a pass and fired a rocket into the bottom corner. Ferran Torres was named Man of the Match for his goal and relentless pressure on the Real Madrid defense, which kept Barcelona in the game.

The match was not without drama, as Real Madrid’s Antonio Rüdiger received a red card in the final moments of extra time for throwing an object toward the referee from the bench. Despite the controversy, Barcelona’s victory was celebrated by the 26,000 Barça fans who made the trip to Seville, with Hansi Flick praising their contribution to the team’s success.

Key Moments

Early Lead: Kylian Mbappé’s goal gave Real Madrid an early advantage, setting the tone for a competitive match.
Pedri’s Equalizer: Pedri’s first-half goal restored parity, showcasing Barcelona’s resilience.
Tchouaméni’s Strike: Real Madrid regained the lead in the second half with a well-taken goal by Aurélien Tchouaméni.
Ferran Torres’ Response: Torres’ equalizer in regulation time forced the match into extra time, earning him Man of the Match honors.
Koundé’s Heroics: Jules Koundé’s extra-time goal in the 116th minute sealed Barcelona’s 32nd Copa del Rey title.
Rüdiger’s Red Card: A late red card to Antonio Rüdiger added to the match’s dramatic conclusion.

Where to Watch Highlights and Replays

For fans who missed the live action, highlights of the FC Barcelona vs. Real Madrid Copa del Rey final are widely available. The official FC Barcelona website (FC Barcelona Website) and Real Madrid website provide exclusive content, including match recaps and player interviews. Sports news outlets such as ESPN (ESPN Copa del Rey Schedule), Sky Sports, and BBC Sport offer detailed highlights and analysis.

In India, FanCode (FanCode Copa del Rey) streamed the match live and provides highlights for football enthusiasts. Subscription-based services like DAZN (JustWatch Copa del Rey) and ESPN+ also offer full match replays, though availability may vary by region. For free options, fans can check YouTube channels of major sports networks or the official LaLiga website (LaLiga Copa del Rey) for condensed highlights.

Impact and Significance

Barcelona’s victory in the 2025 Copa del Rey final solidified their status as the most successful club in the competition’s history, with 32 titles. The win was a significant milestone for Hansi Flick’s squad, marking their second trophy of the 2024-25 season after the Spanish Super Cup. For Real Madrid, the loss was a setback, but their performance highlighted their competitiveness, with players like Mbappé and Tchouaméni showing their quality.

The match also had broader implications, as the winners earned a spot in the 2025-26 UEFA Europa League league phase, and both finalists qualified for the 2026 Supercopa de España. The refereeing controversy, while notable, did not detract from the quality of the football, with both teams delivering a performance worthy of the El Clásico moniker.

📹 Barcelona vs. Real Madrid Match Highlights

For a visual recap of the thrilling encounter, watch the match highlights below:

Conclusion

The 2025 Copa del Rey final will be remembered as a classic El Clásico, filled with drama, skill, and passion. FC Barcelona’s 3-2 victory over Real Madrid, secured by Jules Koundé’s extra-time heroics, added another chapter to their storied rivalry. With standout performances from Pedri, Ferran Torres, and Koundé, Barcelona demonstrated their resilience and quality under pressure. As both teams look ahead to the remainder of the 2024-25 season, this match will serve as a benchmark for their ambitions in LaLiga and European competitions.

For fans eager to relive the action, highlights and replays are readily available, ensuring that the magic of this El Clásico lives on. Whether you’re a Barça supporter celebrating their triumph or a Madridista reflecting on a hard-fought battle, the 2025 Copa del Rey final was a testament to the enduring allure of FC Barcelona vs. Real Madrid.