Barcelona defender Jules Koundé struck deep into extra time to seal a dramatic Copa del Rey Clásico final victory over Real Madrid on Saturday in Seville, securing a 3-2 win for his side.

The Catalan giants, who are pursuing a historic quadruple this season, captured the first major trophy of Hansi Flick’s tenure and extended their record to 32 Spanish Cup titles in thrilling fashion.

Three Real Madrid players were dismissed during and after a fiery conclusion to the match, including England international Jude Bellingham.

Pedri opened the scoring for Barcelona at La Cartuja, but two goals in seven second-half minutes from Kylian Mbappé and Aurélien Tchouaméni hauled the Spanish and European champions level.

However, Ferran Torres struck in the 84th minute to force extra time, before Koundé drove home the decisive goal to clinch victory for the La Liga leaders.

"Real Madrid pushed us to our limits but we showed great character and pride," said Koundé.

Barcelona will now host Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday.

"They can celebrate – for today, it is acceptable," a delighted Flick, who has won all seven finals he has coached in his career, told Movistar.

Substituted Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger was sent off in the dying moments for "throwing an object" onto the pitch towards referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, according to the official’s report. Lucas Vázquez, also substituted, was dismissed for further protests as Madrid unravelled.

Bellingham was shown a red card after the final whistle for displaying an "aggressive attitude" towards the referee, who noted that the midfielder "had to be restrained by his team-mates".

"I do not wish to comment on the referee," said a stone-faced Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti.

"I do not know what happened at the end."

Real Madrid had issued scathing statements on Friday criticising the officiating team, after Spanish referees condemned the club’s television channel for persistently attacking officials throughout the season, casting a shadow over the final.

Controversy aside, the football itself was utterly captivating.

Mbappé Off the Bench

Real Madrid started with their top scorer Mbappé on the bench, following an ankle injury, and lost Ferland Mendy early on to a thigh problem.

Barcelona’s dazzling winger Lamine Yamal, 17, sporting newly dyed blond hair for the occasion, led the assault on Thibaut Courtois’ goal.

Having also triumphed in the first two Clásicos of the season — in La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup — scoring nine goals in the process, Barcelona controlled possession impressively once again.

They took the lead after 28 minutes, with Pedri expertly placing the ball into the top corner from the edge of the box, a sensational goal crafted by Yamal’s precise assist.

Barcelona’s opener forced Madrid to emerge from their defensive shell — and prompted Mbappé to begin warming up.

Bellingham found the net but was ruled offside, while Vinícius Júnior would likely have earned a penalty after being hacked down, only for the move to be ruled offside earlier in the build-up.

Barcelona could have doubled their lead; Dani Olmo’s corner struck the post, and Pau Cubarsí was unable to convert the rebound, impeded by Dani Ceballos.

The referee appeared lenient towards some robust Madrid challenges, possibly influenced by the pressure created by Friday’s controversies.

Madrid introduced Mbappé for Rodrygo Goes at half-time, and he, along with Vinícius, soon began testing Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny.

End to End Action

Mbappé hauled Madrid level in the 70th minute almost single-handedly, surging forward before being fouled, then stepping up to curl a superb free-kick in off the post.

Seven minutes later, Madrid took the lead as Tchouaméni powered home a header from Arda Güler’s corner.

Barcelona responded defiantly, with Yamal lofting a delightful pass over the defence for Torres, who nipped between Rüdiger and Courtois to finish calmly and send the match into extra time.

Inevitably, controversy returned before the final whistle: Barcelona vehemently appealed for a penalty after Rüdiger tripped Torres, and were awarded one when Raphinha tumbled under pressure — only for VAR to overturn the decision.

In extra time, Barcelona dominated proceedings.

They found the winner when Koundé intercepted a rare loose pass from Luka Modrić and fired past Courtois from range, sparking wild celebrations among the Catalan supporters.

The trio of red cards and Madrid’s pre-match outbursts against the officiating team will ensure the repercussions rumble on for some time.

The two sides are set to meet again in La Liga in May, in what could prove to be a decisive clash in the title race.