Barcelona captured a historic 3-2 triumph over bitter rivals Real Madrid in an unforgettable Copa del Rey final at La Cartuja — a thrilling contest that extended into extra time and delivered drama, intensity, and iconic moments. Yet beyond the goals and the trophy celebrations, it was Pau Cubarsí who truly stole the show.
Despite Real Madrid boasting an attack spearheaded by the likes of Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo Goes, they were continually thwarted by Barcelona’s young defensive sensation. Cubarsí delivered a performance marked by remarkable calmness and resilience, arguably the finest display of his senior career to date.
What set Cubarsí apart wasn’t just his defensive excellence — it was how he orchestrated Barcelona’s buildup from the back. Under relentless pressure, he executed pinpoint passes that consistently broke Madrid’s pressing lines, helping the Catalans control crucial stretches of the match.
The highest praise came from none other than Lionel Messi himself. Speaking to Catalan media after the final, the Barcelona legend said:
“He destroyed Real Madrid with his calmness and confidence. Vinícius and Rodrygo looked like amateurs against him. He was by far the best player on the pitch.”
Messi’s words echoed the thoughts of countless fans who witnessed the final. While many had expected standout performances from attacking stars like Lamine Yamal or Pedri, it was Cubarsí who seized the spotlight, showcasing the poise and maturity of a seasoned professional despite his tender age.
Still at the beginning of his career, Cubarsí demonstrated rare tactical intelligence and technical composure, quickly cementing his place in Hansi Flick’s defensive setup. His display not only underlined his immense potential but also sent a strong message: Barcelona’s defensive future looks incredibly bright.
While Barcelona added another major trophy to their glittering history, perhaps the most enduring memory from this epic final will be the emergence of a new star at Camp Nou — Pau Cubarsí.
