Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid: Copa del Rey final player ratings and key moments

‎In a spectacular Copa del Rey final under the lights in Seville, Barcelona claimed a thrilling 3-2 extra-time victory over Real Madrid, with Jules Koundé transforming from scapegoat to saviour in a chaotic and emotional finale.

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‎Jules Koundé the Hero as Barcelona Beat Real Madrid 3-2 in Thrilling Copa del Rey Final.

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‎Barcelona, aggressive and composed from the opening whistle, dominated the early exchanges. Hansi Flick’s side set the tone with relentless pressing and sharp transitions, suffocating Real Madrid’s build-up and establishing early control over possession.

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‎The breakthrough came just before the half-hour mark, and it was a thing of beauty. Lamine Yamal, electric on the right flank, stood up Fran García and waited patiently before laying the ball back to Pedri in acres of space. The midfielder struck first-time from outside the area, curling a sensational effort into the top-left corner to give Barcelona a deserved 1-0 lead.

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‎Madrid failed to threaten during a first half that belonged entirely to Barcelona. At the back, Jules Koundé was rock-solid, giving Vinícius Jr. no space to operate, while young Pau Cubarsí once again impressed with composure and maturity beyond his years.

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‎But Real Madrid came alive after the break. The introduction of Kylian Mbappé changed the tempo immediately. Vinícius robbed Pedri early in the half and fired just wide, before Mbappé's surging run through the middle forced Frenkie de Jong into a foul. The Frenchman dusted himself off and bent a sublime free-kick in off the post to bring Madrid level.

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‎Barcelona nearly regained the lead late in regular time when Raphinha jinked past Asensio and went to ground in the box. The referee pointed to the spot, but after a lengthy VAR review, the penalty was overturned — and extra-time beckoned.

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‎The additional period began with weary legs and cautious football. Barcelona’s early intensity had waned, but there was still time for one final moment of magic. Jules Koundé, who had earlier been caught marking the wrong man for Madrid’s second goal, stepped forward to intercept a loose pass, beat Brahim Díaz to the ball, and slotted home calmly into the bottom corner. Redemption complete.

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‎There was late drama as Gavi brought down Mbappé in the box, but VAR spared him and Barcelona again, ruling an offside in the build-up. The whistle blew moments later to confirm Barcelona as Copa del Rey champions, snatching the trophy from their eternal rivals in a night that will long live in memory.

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‎Barcelona Player Ratings vs Real Madrid – Copa del Rey Final

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‎Wojciech Szczęsny – 6/10

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‎Had little to do in the first half but produced a smart save from Mbappé early in the second. No chance on either goal.

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‎Jules Koundé – 8/10

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‎Disciplined and dominant against Vinícius. Lost his man on Madrid’s second goal but redeemed himself with a match-winning strike in extra-time.

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‎Pau Cubarsí – 7/10

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‎Intelligent positioning and quick reactions throughout. Intercepted a key pass in the build-up to the opener. Continues to look like a star in the making.

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‎Iñigo Martínez – 6/10

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‎Steady at the back but fortunate that his clumsy challenge on Vinícius was ruled offside.

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‎Gerard Martín – 6/10

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‎Solid, if unspectacular. Booked for a rash tackle but kept Rodrygo quiet on his flank.

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‎Pedri – 7/10

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‎Superb in the first half, scoring a stunning opener. Controlled the rhythm but faded under Madrid’s physical pressure after the break.

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‎Frenkie de Jong – 5/10

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‎Started brightly but was overrun as Madrid gained momentum. His foul on Mbappé led to the equaliser.

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‎Dani Olmo – 6/10

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‎Offered neat touches but was largely ineffective in the final third. Taken off after being targeted physically.

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‎Lamine Yamal – 8/10

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‎Sensational assist for Pedri’s goal and terrorised Fran García throughout the first half. Faded in the second, but returned with another assist for Ferran Torres.

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‎Ferran Torres – 6/10

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‎Struggled to make an impact early but scored a crucial equaliser in extra-time. Showed his worth when it mattered.

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‎Raphinha – 5/10

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‎Energetic but wasteful. Missed two big chances and saw a penalty overturned by VAR. A frustrating outing.

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‎Substitutes

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‎Fermín López – 6/10

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‎Lacked presence in the second half but offered energy in extra-time.

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‎Gavi – 5/10

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‎Quiet performance, nearly cost his side a penalty before VAR rescued him.

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‎Ronald Araújo – 7/10

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‎Provided stability and made a crucial block in extra-time to preserve the lead.

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‎Eric García – 5/10

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‎Came on late and maintained composure in a quiet cameo.

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‎Pau Víctor – N/A

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‎Came on just before the winning goal. Not enough time to assess.

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‎Manager

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‎Hansi Flick – 6/10

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‎Brilliant tactical setup in the first half. Allowed Madrid to grow into the game after the break without adjusting quickly enough. Got the trophy, but it came nervously.

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‎Barcelona’s Copa del Rey triumph was a story of dominance, collapse, and late redemption. Jules Koundé may have started as a question mark, but he ended as a headline. In one of the most dramatic Clásicos in recent memory, Barça snatched glory from the jaws of despair — and reasserted themselves on Spanish football’s biggest domestic stage.