The 2025 Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and Barcelona delivered everything fans expected—and more. This Real Madrid vs Barcelona Copa del Rey clash at La Cartuja became an instant classic, filled with unforgettable plays, heated debates, and last-minute drama. Let’s dive into the highlights, controversies, and defining moments that shaped this storied showdown.

A Night to Remember: Goals, Drama, and Late Twists

From the opening whistle, Real Madrid vs Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final was a back-and-forth contest. Barcelona struck first with a sensational goal from Pedri, sending their fans into jubilation. But Real Madrid, led by the relentless Kylian Mbappé and Aurélien Tchouaméni, turned the game around in the second half. As the minutes ticked toward full-time, Lamine Yamal set up Ferran Torres to force extra time with a late equalizer, epitomizing the essence of El Clásico: determination until the very end.

Controversial Decisions and VAR Drama

No Real Madrid vs Barcelona Copa del Rey final would be complete without contentious referee calls. Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea and his VAR team played pivotal roles throughout the game. Early on, all eyes turned to a handball by Federico Valverde in the Real Madrid box. The referee judged it not to be a penalty—a decision that sparked debate among pundits and fans. According to Infobae’s detailed report, the official followed FIFA’s guidelines, determining the handball was the result of a natural defensive action.

Moments later, Real Madrid saw a goal by Jude Bellingham ruled out for offside, while Vinícius Jr. also had a close call. The most critical point came in stoppage time, when a penalty was awarded to Barcelona after a tackle on Raphinha. However, VAR intervened, and after review, the referee reversed his decision—a move that dominated headlines.

For an expert breakdown of these controversial moments, Pérez Burrull’s analysis on MARCA Radio offers insight into why each key call was made and how the match officials handled intense pressure from both sides.

Star Performers: Valverde’s Effort and Mbappé’s Impact

Players from both teams gave their all in what proved to be a relentless battle. Federico Valverde delivered a committed performance for Real Madrid, featuring heavily in both defensive duties and midfield transitions. He even found himself at the heart of the handball controversy discussed above. For a player-centric deep dive, ESPN’s feature on Valverde provides detailed statistics and tactical insight.

Meanwhile, Mbappé showcased his class with a crucial free-kick goal. Barcelona’s young stars, such as Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres, stepped up under pressure, helping secure the title in extra time.

The Rivalry Lives On

The Real Madrid vs Barcelona Copa del Rey final of 2025 will be remembered for its football artistry, controversial decisions, and emotional swings. For Barcelona, it meant lifting the trophy after outlasting their fierce rivals. For Real Madrid, the loss stings—but the fight and passion on display only add to the legacy of El Clásico.

The debate around key referee decisions will endure, fueling discussions for months to come. If you want to relive the most debated moments and expert takes, explore further through our recommended external resources. El Clásico continues to inspire, captivate, and divide football fans around the world.

Missed the action? Catch in-depth referee analysis on the MARCA Radio recap or review all the key moments and statistics for Real Madrid vs Barcelona Copa del Rey through Infobae’s match report.