On April 26, 2025, at Seville’s Estadio of La Cartuja, FC Barcelona defeated bitter rivals Real Madrid 3-2 in extra time to claim their 32nd Spanish Cup trophy in an exciting Copa del Rey final. Both teams had outstanding attacking play, but Jules Koundé, a French defender for Barcelona, stood out for his combination of tactical skill, defensive tenacity, and a pivotal moment of genius. In addition to stopping Madrid’s formidable offense, Koundé scored the game-winning goal that gave the Blaugrana the Cup.
With an attacking lineup that included Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Jr., and Kylian Mbappé, Real Madrid appeared dangerous right away. In the 70th minute, Mbappé, who had just come off the bench, made an instant impression by curling in a free-kick equalizer. Nevertheless, Koundé’s composed and astute defense mostly restricted Madrid’s attacks.
Koundé stepped up to the task of marking Vinícius Jr., one of the league’s most explosive wingers. The Brazilian’s speed and dribbling abilities were negated by his astute positioning and physical prowess. Koundé prevented a possible penalty scare by forcing Vinícius into an offside position during a crucial first-half moment.
Additionally, Koundé and rising sensation Pau Cubarsí forged a strong defensive alliance. Aurélien Tchouaméni’s header in the 77th minute gave Madrid a 2-1 lead, but Koundé’s leadership kept Barcelona’s defense steady and helped force extra time despite Madrid’s comeback.
However, Koundé’s offensive genius was ultimately what won the match. He took advantage of a misdirected pass from Brahim Díaz in the 116th minute, sprinted into space, and fired a strong 25-yard effort past Thibaut Courtois to send the Barcelona supporters into a frenzy of jubilation. His incredible goal was the game-winning goal and a Copa del Rey first.
The goal demonstrated Koundé’s adaptability and shown that he is more than just a reliable defender. Under coach Hansi Flick, Koundé was frequently utilized as a center-back and a right-back. His offensive prowess demonstrated his versatility. Supporters showered social media with compliments, describing his game-winning move as “brilliant” and crucial to Barcelona’s victory.
Beyond his objective, Koundé played a crucial role in carrying out Flick’s strategies. Pedri’s goal in the 28th minute gave Barcelona the lead as they dominated the first half. Barcelona’s high defensive line was able to consistently catch Madrid’s attackers offside thanks to Koundé’s tactical understanding of the game. His back-row distribution also set off several counterattacks, one of which resulted in Ferran Torres’ equalizer in the 84th minute.
With vital saves from goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny, Koundé’s leadership once again proved evident in extra time as he rallied a weary Barcelona team to overcome Madrid’s late charge.
The 26-year-old, who has been a key component in Barcelona’s comeback under Flick, had a spectacular season that culminated in the final. Koundé’s three goals this season across all competitions have given his already strong defensive play a new offensive dimension. His reputation as one of Europe’s best defenders has been strengthened by his consistency, particularly in important games like El Clásico.
Koundé’s supremacy over Real Madrid extended beyond the championship game; he played a key role in Barcelona’s previous triumphs over their rivals, including a 5-2 Spanish Super Cup final victory and a 4-0 La Liga defeat at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Jules Koundé’s performance in the 2025 Copa del Rey final, which combined grit, quickness, and audacity, was essentially a textbook in contemporary defense. He made a lasting impression on one of the greatest El Clásico finals ever by stopping Madrid’s best players and scoring the game-winning goal. With Koundé at the center of their goals, Barcelona’s success portends a bright future.