Barcelona have secured the 2024–25 Copa del Rey title following a thrilling 3–2 victory over Real Madrid in the final at La Cartuja.

The Catalan side started brightly, dominating the early stages of the encounter. They created several clear-cut opportunities and, in the 28th minute, deservedly broke the deadlock. Lamine Yamal produced some brilliant work on the right flank, drawing in three Real Madrid defenders before setting up Pedri, who had ample space on the edge of the box to pick out the top corner with a fine finish.

Barcelona could — and arguably should — have been three or four goals ahead by half-time, but their profligacy in front of goal would come back to haunt them in the second half. Kylian Mbappé was introduced at the interval and, on 70 minutes, scored the first direct free-kick goal of his career to restore parity for Real Madrid.

Just seven minutes later, Los Blancos completed the turnaround. Arda Güler delivered a superb corner, which found Aurélien Tchouaméni unmarked six yards out, and the Frenchman duly headed home.

Barcelona were rattled but showed commendable resilience to regroup and find an equaliser. Once again, it was Lamine Yamal at the heart of the move, playing in Ferran Torres, who rounded Thibaut Courtois and calmly rolled the ball into the unguarded net.

In the dying moments of normal time, Barcelona thought they had been awarded a penalty when Raphinha went to ground under a challenge from Raúl Asencio. However, after a VAR review, the decision was overturned, and the Brazilian winger was booked for simulation.

Extra-time proved to be a tense affair, with both sides cautious in their approach. However, in the 116th minute, the decisive moment arrived — and it favoured Barcelona. Jules Koundé intercepted a stray pass, surged forward, and found the bottom corner of Courtois’ goal with an assured finish.

There was further drama as Antonio Rüdiger, who had already been substituted, was shown a red card for protesting a decision from the sidelines. Nevertheless, Barcelona held firm to claim their third victory over Real Madrid this season, leaving their rivals facing the prospect of ending the campaign without a major trophy — unless they can overturn a four-point deficit in La Liga.