Barcelona and Real Madrid are clashing in the final of the Copa del Rey.
Barcelona took the lead just before the 30-minute mark thanks to a remarkable goal from Pedri.
After being introduced at halftime, Kylian Mbappe, the French forward, leveled the score for Real Madrid with a magnificent free-kick. Just seven minutes later, Aurelien Tchouameni`s powerful header put Los Blancos in front for the first time in the match.
Team Lineups
- Barcelona: Szczesny; Kounde, Cubarsi, Inigo, Martin; Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Dani Olmo; Raphinha, Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal
- Real Madrid: Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rüdiger, Mendy; Tchouameni, Ceballos, Bellingham, Modric; Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr
Match Updates
First Half Summary (HT: Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid)
Barcelona were the stronger side in the opening half of the final. Real Madrid gradually improved but found it difficult to seriously test Szczesny. Pedri`s stunning strike to open the scoring was undoubtedly the highlight of the first 45 minutes.
A notable point at halftime was the presence of Kylian Mbappe on Real Madrid`s bench, raising questions about his fitness and potential impact, especially as Real needed a goal.
Second Half Kicks Off – Mbappe Introduced
The match resumed in Seville with a significant change for Real Madrid: Kylian Mbappe came on to replace Rodrygo. Real Madrid began the second half pushing for an equalizer.
Early in the half, Yamal managed to get a shot away after beating his marker near the byline, but Courtois saved it comfortably.
Raphinha attempted a powerful shot from distance, which was gathered by Courtois at his near post.
Chances at Both Ends
Real Madrid created a big opportunity around the 50-minute mark. Bellingham won the ball brilliantly, evaded a couple of players, and found Vinicius Junior. Szczesny made a save from the initial shot and quickly recovered to save the rebound as it was drilled towards his near post.
Barcelona responded with Raphinha receiving the ball from Torres, but the chance was ruled out for offside.
In the 54th minute, Bellingham`s lifted pass found Mbappe, who drove into the box with a double stepover before his left-footed shot was blocked by Szczesny.
The game became very open. Barcelona had a numerical advantage on a break, but Raphinha dragged his shot wide. Immediately, Real countered, and Vinicius Junior, played in by Mbappe, saw his effort thwarted by a vital challenge from Martinez.
Real Madrid looked significantly more threatening after their substitutions, including Guler and Modric coming on. Vinicius Junior then curled an effort narrowly wide.
Around the hour mark, Barcelona wasted another clear chance as Raphinha again shot wide after receiving the ball from Olmo. Barcelona seemed to regret these missed opportunities as Madrid`s threat grew.
Modric delivered a dangerous low cross from wide, but no Real player was positioned to attack it.
Substitutions and Controversial Moments
Barcelona made their first substitution, bringing on Lopez for Dani Olmo, who had taken several heavy tackles.
There were several controversial refereeing moments. Bellingham`s lunging challenge on Pedri went unpunished. A corner was incorrectly awarded to Real. Earlier, a potential penalty for Barcelona following a corner, where Asencio seemed to foul his marker, was not given. Frenkie de Jong received a yellow card for preventing Mbappe from getting a clear shot when through on goal, a decision some argued could have been a red.
Real Madrid Equalize and Take the Lead
Goal! Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)
In the 70th minute, halftime substitute Kylian Mbappe equalized for Real Madrid with a fantastic free-kick. The Barcelona defensive wall was criticized, and Mbappe curled his shot in off the inside of the post. Carlo Ancelotti`s decision to bring him on proved immediately impactful.
After the equalizer, Real Madrid looked increasingly likely to score again and were dominating proceedings, forcing multiple corners.
Goal! Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid)
Just seven minutes after the equalizer, Aurelien Tchouameni scored with a powerful header, putting Real Madrid ahead for the first time in the final.
