French defender Jules Kounde sealed Barcelona’s 32nd Copa Del Rey triumph in a mouthwatering El Classico match up on Saturday night.
It was game filled with drama and intrigues – perhaps one of the most enjoyable Ec Classicos in a while as it lived up to expectations for both divides and the neutrals.
Barcelona started the match the better side and dominated the first half with intricate movements on and off the ball as Real Madrid chased shadows.
Former Golden Boy award winner, Pedri gave Hansi Flick’s men the lead in the 28th minute after sustained pressure on Carlo Ancelotti’s men.
The Spanish midfielder received Lamine Yamal’s pass on the edge of the box and buried the ball into the roof of the net.
English midfielder, Jude Bellingham equalized moments later but his goal counted for offside.
The first half ended with Carlo Ancelotti booked – a yellow card for saying too much on the touchline as Barcelona take a 1-0 lead.
Real Madrid came alive with the introduction of Kylian Mbappe and Luka Modric on the second half.
The French forward forced a save off Wojceich Szczesny as Real Madrid sought for an equalizer. Vinicius Jr, who had a forgettable performance on the night also had his shot save by the Poliah goalkeepeer.
Eventually, Szcznesny had no response as Mbappe powered a ferocious free-kick into the bottom corner to level the score for Real Madrid.
Los Blancos went ahead seven minutes later as Tchouameni met Arda Guler’s corner-kick with a powerful header.
Unfortunately, a lack of communication between Antonio Rudiger and Thibaut Courtois gave Barcelona a life line into the game.
Ferran Torres pounced on the loose ball and tapped it into en empty net with five minutes to the end of the match.
A VAR intervention stopped Barcelona’s call for a penalty in the last minute of added time as it judged Raphinha to have dived in the box.
Jules Kounde seals Copa Del Rey
The first half of extra time ended goalless with both teams visibly tired. Hence, the introduction of fresh legs.
After a waves of attack from both teams without breakthrough, the match was headed for penalties with five miutes left on the clock.
However, Brahim Diaz misjudged Luka Modric’s pass for a counter attack, Jules Kounde pounced on the loose ball and buried a low drive into the bottom left comer to seal the win for Barcelona.
The pulsating El Classico ended 3-2 as Barcelona lifted their 32nd Copa Del Rey while Antonio Rudiger and Lucas Vasquez bagged red cards for an attempt charge at the referee – Ricardo De Bourgos.
