In a thrilling Copa del Rey final on April 26, 2025, at Seville’s Estadio de La Cartuja, FC Barcelona captured their 32nd Spanish Cup title with a dramatic 3-2 extra-time win over fierce rivals Real Madrid. While both sides showcased attacking brilliance, it was Barcelona’s French defender Jules Koundé who emerged as the standout performer, combining defensive resilience, tactical mastery, and a decisive moment of brilliance. Koundé not only shut down Madrid’s high-powered attack but also scored the winning goal that secured the trophy for the Blaugrana.
Real Madrid, boasting an attacking force led by Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., and Jude Bellingham, looked dangerous from the start. Mbappé, coming off the bench, made an immediate impact by curling in a free-kick equalizer in the 70th minute. Still, Koundé’s calm and intelligent defending kept Madrid’s threats largely contained.
Assigned to mark Vinícius Jr., one of the league’s most explosive wingers, Koundé rose to the challenge. His smart positioning and physical strength neutralized the Brazilian’s pace and dribbling skills. A critical first-half moment saw Koundé force Vinícius into an offside position, avoiding a potential penalty scare.
Koundé also formed a formidable defensive partnership with young star Pau Cubarsí. Despite Madrid’s fightback, including Aurélien Tchouaméni’s header that gave them a 2-1 lead in the 77th minute, Koundé’s leadership steadied Barcelona’s defense and helped push the game into extra time.
But it was Koundé’s offensive brilliance that ultimately decided the contest. In the 116th minute, he seized on a loose pass from Brahim Díaz, advanced into space, and unleashed a powerful 25-yard strike past Thibaut Courtois, sending the Barcelona faithful into wild celebrations. His stunning goal became the match-winner and a historic moment in Copa del Rey history.
The goal showcased Koundé’s versatility, proving that he’s more than just a defensive stalwart. Frequently used as both a right-back and center-back under coach Hansi Flick, Koundé’s ability to contribute offensively highlighted his all-around excellence. Fans flooded social media with praise, calling his match-winning move “brilliant” and essential to Barcelona’s triumph.
Beyond his goal, Koundé’s influence was pivotal in executing Flick’s tactics. Barcelona dominated the first half, taking the lead through Pedri’s 28th-minute strike. Koundé’s strategic reading of the game helped Barcelona’s high defensive line catch Madrid’s attackers offside repeatedly. His distribution from the back also sparked multiple counterattacks, one leading to Ferran Torres’ 84th-minute equalizer.
In extra time, Koundé’s leadership shone through again, as he rallied a tired Barcelona side to withstand Madrid’s late surge, supported by crucial saves from goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny.
The final capped a stellar season for the 26-year-old, who has been a cornerstone of Barcelona’s revival under Flick. With three goals across competitions this season, Koundé has added a new offensive layer to his formidable defensive game. His consistency, especially in major matches like El Clásico, has reinforced his status among Europe’s elite defenders.
Koundé’s dominance over Real Madrid wasn’t limited to the final — he was instrumental in Barcelona’s earlier victories over their rivals, including a 4-0 La Liga thrashing at the Santiago Bernabéu and a 5-2 Spanish Super Cup final triumph.
In short, Jules Koundé’s display in the 2025 Copa del Rey final was a masterclass in modern defending, blending grit, sharpness, and boldness. By shutting down Madrid’s stars and scoring the decisive goal, he left an indelible mark on one of the greatest El Clásico finals ever. For Barcelona, this victory signals a bright future, with Koundé at the heart of their ambitions.
