Barça win shows Madrid have more to worry about than referees

SEVILLE, Spain — Jules Koundé became Barcelona's hero in the Copa del Rey final. They beat Real Madrid 3-2 after extra time at La Cartuja on Saturday. Koundé scored in the 116th minute, sealing the victory just before penalties. This win is hoped to be the first trophy of a potential treble this season.

Real Madrid had earlier equalized with goals from Kylian Mbappé and Aurélien Tchouaméni. They scored twice in seven minutes during the second half, canceling out Pedri's first-half opener. Ferran Torres later rounded Thibaut Courtois to send the game into extra time.

Referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea initially awarded a stoppage-time penalty for Raúl Asencio's challenge on Raphinha. However, he overturned his decision after a VAR review. Barcelona hopes to follow this cup win with success in LaLiga and the UEFA Champions League.

The teams will meet again on May 11 at the Olympic Stadium. This match could decide the league title.

Referee Drama

Going into this final, referee Bengoetxea faced intense scrutiny from Real Madrid fans. Pre-game hysteria included tears from De Burgos and warnings about refereeing measures against Real Madrid TV videos. Although Madrid denied rumors of boycotting, they criticized officials for hostility towards them.

From kickoff, every decision was viewed through this lens of skepticism. In the first half, there were no major refereeing controversies but many contested calls. In one instance, Federico Valverde’s handball went unpunished despite Barcelona's appeals.

Barcelona also felt aggrieved when Dani Ceballos avoided a booking for a foul on Lamine Yamal. Later, Tchouaméni received only a yellow card for a foul on Dani Olmo instead of a red card.

In added time, Raphinha appeared to be fouled by Raul Asencio in the box. Initially awarded as a penalty, it was overturned after VAR review showed Raphinha went down easily.

Koundé’s goal meant that controversy did not change the outcome of the match. Afterward, tensions flared as players confronted De Burgos over decisions made during the game.

Barcelona’s Clásico Supremacy

Barcelona confirmed their dominance over Real Madrid by winning this Copa del Rey final. Last season they lost all three Clásicos but have won all three under Hansi Flick this year.

This match was different from previous routs but still showcased Barcelona's resilience. They came back from behind multiple times throughout this season and celebrated with their supporters in Seville.

Pedri opened scoring with a sublime strike in the 28th minute after good teamwork with Yamal. Despite facing pressure early in the second half and missing chances to extend their lead, they responded well when going behind again.

Flick made tactical changes that improved Barcelona’s performance in extra time. Koundé ultimately secured victory by scoring his team's third goal and winning their 32nd Copa del Rey trophy.

Mbappé Changes The Game

Kylian Mbappé arrived at La Cartuja looking less than enthusiastic before kickoff. He had been sidelined due to an ankle injury but was included as a substitute for Real Madrid.

Madrid struggled offensively without him early on but improved once he entered play during the second half. His presence immediately changed their attacking dynamic and led to better chances against Barcelona’s defense.

Mbappé scored his first direct free kick ever during this match after being fouled by Frenkie de Jong while breaking through defenses late in the game.

Despite his contributions throughout various finals this season, questions remain about his fit within Real Madrid's system moving forward as they face disappointment yet again this year.

Fearless Youngsters Shine For Barça

Barcelona defender Ronald Araújo praised his young teammates' fearlessness ahead of this crucial match. Their confidence shone through once more during decisive moments against Real Madrid.

Pedri controlled much of the first half and assisted Yamal before scoring himself—his sixth goal of the season—at an opportune moment following some struggles earlier on.

Cubarsí also played well defensively while assisting two goals alongside Yamal who has now recorded 24 assists this campaign.

Ferran Torres stepped up admirably filling Robert Lewandowski's absence due to injury; he scored his sixth Copa goal making him top scorer in that competition.

What Lies Ahead For Real Madrid?

Real Madrid has faced challenges following defeats against Barcelona throughout their season so far.

Their October loss set an early tone for LaLiga while January’s Supercopa defeat confirmed Barça’s superiority head-to-head.

However, Saturday's performance showed promise despite falling short again at crucial moments late into extra time.

With five games left in LaLiga trailing four points behind Barcelona remains critical for them moving forward.

If they cannot catch up soon it may lead them toward another trophyless season—a situation that often results in managerial changes at such prestigious clubs like theirs.