La Cartuja experienced one of the most intense Copa del Rey finals in recent years this Saturday. FC Barcelona and Real Madrid offered a duel full of emotion, tension, and constant alternatives. A Clásico that was decided in the last minutes of extra time, when everything seemed destined for penalties.
During the ninety regulation minutes, both teams showed their strengths and weaknesses. Barça started better, pressing high and dominating the ball. But Madrid, true to their style, replied on the counter with constant danger.
Ferran Keeps Barça Alive
It was Ferran Torres who equalized the score. The Valencian took advantage of a precise cross from Lamine Yamal to finish first-time and beat Madrid. It seemed that Barça had the game under control, but Madrid quickly reacted.
From there, both teams shared chances without managing to tip the score again. The tension grew in Seville as the minutes ticked toward extra time.
When everything pointed to a resolution from the penalty spot, Jules Koundé appeared. In the 118th minute, the French center-back caught a loose ball inside the area. With a shot close to the post, he unleashed madness on the Barça bench.
Koundé's goal gave Barça an epic victory, in an unbeatable setting and against their eternal rival. The Copa del Rey thus returns to Camp Nou's trophy cabinet after a battle that demanded the maximum from all the players.
Flick Takes Note: Ferran Under the Microscope
Despite the goal that opened the match, Ferran Torres's performance didn't convince Hansi Flick. The German coach appreciated his effort and timely accuracy, but he again detected shortcomings that he considers incompatible with Barça's demands. The lack of continuity, ball losses, and his limited ability to make a difference in critical moments weighed more than the goal scored.
According to internal sources, Flick has communicated to the club that he doesn't count on Ferran for the next season. His goal in the final doesn't change an assessment that has been developing for months. Barça will seek alternatives to strengthen their forward line in the summer.
The title is a balm for a club in need of joy. The squad and the fans celebrated a victory that feels like vindication after months of ups and downs. However, the offices are already working with the immediate future in mind.
Hansi Flick knows that the team needs to evolve to compete for greater objectives. And decisions like Ferran's are just the beginning of a restructuring that promises to be deep. The first step, however, has been taken: lifting the Copa del Rey by defeating Real Madrid in a final for the history books.