The build-up to the Spanish cup final wasn’t the most elegant, but the match itself was a joy to watch. Thanks to a victory over Real Madrid, Barcelona claimed the Copa del Rey for the 32nd time on Saturday. Jules Koundé scored the decisive goal deep into extra time.
And then the ball still had to start rolling. The anticipation had been enormous, the build-up clouded by controversy and political tension, but when the match finally began, all focus shifted to the football.
Real Madrid, facing immense pressure from both the media and within their own ranks, were dealt a significant blow before the first whistle: Kylian Mbappé, their marquee summer signing and expected game-changer, was not fit enough to start. The French forward had struggled with an ankle injury for weeks, and despite intensive treatment, he could not be risked from the beginning. His absence left a void in Real Madrid’s attack, depriving them of the pace and flair they were counting on to unsettle Barcelona’s defense. The hopes of Madridistas rested instead on the shoulders of familiar faces like Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo, while Mbappé waited anxiously on the bench.
Barcelona, meanwhile, entered the final with a renewed sense of purpose. They had weathered their own storms this season, but recent weeks had seen a resurgence, driven largely by the outstanding form of Frenkie de Jong. The Dutchman had become the heartbeat of the team, orchestrating play from midfield with poise and precision. His return to peak form gave Barcelona not only stability but also a dynamic edge, and alongside him, the likes of Gavi, Pedri, and the ever-dangerous Lamine Yamal provided a youthful energy that Real Madrid struggled to contain.
The opening minutes hinted at what was to come. Real Madrid’s intent was to start strong, to press high, and to assert themselves early, but fate had other plans. In just the 9th minute, disaster struck for the white shirts. Ferland Mendy, in an attempt to cut out a quick Barcelona break, collided with Jules Koundé. The impact left Mendy clutching his thigh, and despite efforts to continue, he was forced to the ground, his face etched with frustration. The medical staff quickly signaled for a substitution, and Fran García was hurriedly brought on. This early disruption to Madrid’s defensive structure was more than just a physical blow; it sent a ripple of uncertainty through their ranks.
As Madrid tried to regroup, Barcelona grew in confidence. The Catalan side began to control possession, moving the ball with purpose and exploiting the spaces left by Madrid’s reshuffled defense. Real’s midfield, so often their source of strength, was being outplayed by the quick, intricate passing of Barcelona. And yet, Real Madrid nearly found themselves behind in the most controversial of ways. Federico Valverde, diving in to block a threatening cross, unintentionally touched the ball with his hand inside the box. Barcelona’s players surrounded the referee, demanding a penalty, but after a moment of tension, and with VAR officials in his ear, the referee waved play on. The decision sparked outrage from Barcelona supporters and relief from the Madrid bench.
Undeterred, Barcelona kept pushing. The breakthrough, when it came, was crafted with elegance and finished with precision. Lamine Yamal, still just a teenager but already playing with the maturity of a seasoned professional, dazzled on the right flank. His new blonde hairstyle made him stand out even more, but it was his vision that stole the spotlight. Calmly assessing the situation, he spotted Pedri ghosting into the box. The pass was perfect, threading through Madrid’s defense, and Pedri met it with a clean strike, sending the ball soaring into the top left corner. Thibaut Courtois, despite his towering frame and quick reflexes, had no chance. Barcelona led 1-0, and it was no less than they deserved.
Real Madrid tried to respond, but their rhythm was off. Vinícius Júnior, usually so lively on the wing, found himself double-marked, and his frustration grew with every failed attempt to break free. Jude Bellingham, the young English sensation who had lit up La Liga, struggled to influence the game, constantly shadowed by De Jong. Rodrygo made runs but found little service. With their usual avenues to goal blocked, Real Madrid looked increasingly desperate.
As halftime approached, Barcelona nearly delivered a second blow. A corner from Dani Olmo curled dangerously towards goal, catching Courtois off guard. The ball struck the post and bounced out, a stroke of luck for Real Madrid that kept them within touching distance. The whistle for halftime couldn’t have come soon enough for Ancelotti’s men, who trudged off knowing they had much to fix.
The first half had been a demonstration of Barcelona’s resurgence and Real Madrid’s fragility. Despite the absence of Mbappé and the early injury to Mendy, Madrid were expected to show more fight. Instead, they found themselves outplayed, outthought, and outpaced. Barcelona, with youth and flair, looked like the side more hungry for glory.
The tension during the break was palpable. All eyes turned to Mbappé – would he be risked to save Madrid? Would his presence on the pitch shift the momentum? The second half promised even more drama, but for now, it was Barcelona in control, with one hand already reaching for the trophy.
