Barcelona Beat Real Madrid in Extra Time
to Win Copa del Rey

Sevilla, 27 Apr (ONA) — Barcelona
beat Real Madrid 3-2 in extra time to claim a record-extending 32nd Copa del
Rey title and launch its bid for a treble.

Pedri González scored from long
range to give Barcelona the lead in the 28th minute at La Cartuja Stadium.

Kylian Mbappé came off the bench at
halftime and scored from a free kick for Real Madrid in the 70th. Midfielder
Aurélien Tchouaméni headed Madrid in front in the 77th.But Ferran Torres levelled
in the 84th and forced extra time, the Spanish MARCA newspaper reported.

Jules Koundé then pounced on a pass
by Brahim Díaz and slotted a shot into the low corner of Thibaut Courtois’ net
for the 116th-minute winner.

Barcelona will carry this momentum
into Wednesday’s start of its UEFA Champions League (UCL) semifinal against
Inter Milan. It also leads the Spanish La Liga by four points over Madrid.

Barcelona has beaten Madrid in all
three of their clasicos this season. They routed Madrid 5-2 in the Spanish
Super Cup final in January after winning 4-0 at Madrid in the local league in
October.

Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger was
shown a red card by the referee in the final minute of extra time.

The loss to its fierce rival is
another blow to Madrid after it was knocked out of the UEFA Champions League
quarterfinals by Arsenal. This could have been its last final with Carlo
Ancelotti in charge. The Italian coach said he will decide his future this
summer amid speculation he is bound to take over Brazil.

— Ends/Khalid