In a pulsating Copa del Rey last that can be etched into El Clásico folklore, Jules Koundé emerged because the hero, firing Barcelona to a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over arch-rivals Real Madrid.
The French defender’s scientific 112th-minute strike secured a record-extending thirty second Copa del Rey title for the Blaugrana whereas handing Los Blancos their third consecutive defeat on this historic fixture – a primary in two years.
The match started amid controversy, with Actual Madrid’s pre-match complaints about referee Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea including gas to an already flamable encounter.
Barcelona seized early initiative, with Koundé threatening twice from set-pieces earlier than Pedri broke the impasse within the twenty ninth minute with a thunderous strike after beautiful buildup play involving teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
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Carlo Ancelotti’s halftime introduction of Kylian Mbappé almost paid quick dividends, however Wojciech Szczęsny produced two magnificent saves to disclaim Vinícius Júnior.
The French famous person would finally make his mark, curling in a chic free-kick – the primary of his profession – to cancel out Barcelona’s benefit earlier than Aurélien Tchouaméni’s towering header accomplished what appeared a decisive turnaround.
But this epic encounter had extra twists in retailer.
Yamal turned supplier for Ferran Torres to equalize late in regulation time, whereas VAR controversially overturned a possible Barcelona penalty in added time.
The drama continued in further time till Koundé, higher identified for defensive solidity, pounced on Luka Modrić’s errant go to rifle dwelling the winner, sending the Barcelona trustworthy into raptures.
This victory marks Hansi Flick’s first trophy since taking the Barcelona helm and delivers a major psychological blow forward of the edges’ subsequent assembly on Could eleventh.
