Mbappé’s free-kick stunner ties game: Barcelona faces Real Madrid in open Copa del Rey final at 24 minutes of 2nd half

At La Cartuja stadium in Seville, the 2024-2025 Copa del Rey final between Barcelona and Real Madrid remains thrilling at 24 minutes into the second half. The score is tied at 1-1, with a stunning free-kick goal by Kylian Mbappé leveling the match after Barcelona took the lead with Pedri’s first-half strike. The game, marked by intense moments, VAR reviews, and brilliant performances from young stars like Lamine Yamal and Vinícius Júnior, keeps fans on edge. Mbappé, who entered in the second half, transformed Real Madrid, while Barcelona responds with dangerous counterattacks led by Raphinha and Dani Olmo. The classic, played at 5:00 PM, promises more excitement as both teams vie for the title.

The first half was dominated by Barcelona, who controlled possession and pressed Real Madrid from the start. The Catalans created chances through Yamal, Raphinha, and Dani Olmo, culminating in Pedri’s goal at 28 minutes, a first-time shot into the top corner after a Yamal move. Real, with Vinícius Júnior isolated, struggled to respond, and a penalty in their favor during stoppage time was overturned for offside. The break arrived with Barcelona ahead, but the second half saw a revitalized Real Madrid, boosted by Mbappé’s entry and tactical substitutions by Carlo Ancelotti.

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The match’s intensity is clear. In the first half, yellow cards were shown to Tchouaméni, Gerard Martín, and Ancelotti, reflecting the tension. In the second half, Frenkie de Jong was booked for a foul on Mbappé. At 24 minutes, Mbappé’s free-kick stunner changed the dynamics, with Real pressing and Barcelona seeking to regain the lead. Vinícius Júnior, with dangerous chances, and Raphinha, with counterattacks, keep the game open, while Szczesny and Courtois shine in goal.

Pedri and Mbappé steal the spotlight

Pedri was Barcelona’s maestro in the first half. His stunning goal at 28 minutes, a pinpoint shot into the top corner, capped Barcelona’s dominance. In the second half, at 03 minutes, he nearly doubled the lead, beating defenders and shooting just over. His vision and precision in midfield have been vital, linking Yamal and Raphinha in attacking moves that challenge Real Madrid’s defense.

Mbappé, meanwhile, transformed Real Madrid since entering in the second half. Despite not being fully recovered from an ankle sprain, the Frenchman showed his class with a free-kick masterpiece at 24 minutes, tying the game. At 08 minutes, he had already threatened with a blocked cross-shot. His speed and skill, paired with Vinícius Júnior, have made Real more dangerous, shifting the match’s balance.

Barcelona remains unfazed. Raphinha, with shots at 02 and 09 minutes of the second half, continues to pose a threat, while Dani Olmo, before being substituted, created chances on counterattacks. At 24 minutes, the match showcases both teams’ talent, with young stars and veterans chasing glory.

Real Madrid rallies with substitutions

Carlo Ancelotti’s second-half changes breathed new life into Real Madrid. Beyond Mbappé, the entries of Modric and Güler at 09 minutes boosted midfield creativity. Modric, with a precise cross at 16 minutes, and Güler, with a move at 17 minutes, showed the impact of the substitutions. Vinícius Júnior, more active, created chances at 03, 10, and 13 minutes, testing Szczesny.

Barcelona countered with Fermín López’s entry at 18 minutes, aiming to retain midfield control after Dani Olmo’s exit. Raphinha and Ferrán Torres, on counterattacks, keep exploiting Real’s exposed defense, which pushes forward with Mbappé and Vinícius. At 24 minutes, the game is balanced, with both sides creating chances and goalkeepers in top form.

The physical intensity also defines the second half. Frenkie de Jong’s foul on Mbappé at 22 minutes sparked complaints from Real, who called for a red card. Described as “end-to-end” at 12 minutes, the game reflects tactical openness, with Real more aggressive and Barcelona dangerous on the break.

Key moments up to the 24th minute of the second half

• 28’ – 1st half: Pedri opens the scoring with a stunning strike into the top corner after a Yamal pass.
• 46’ – 1st half: A penalty for Real is overturned for offside on Vinícius Júnior after a VAR review.
• 03’ – 2nd half: Vinícius Júnior shoots twice in one move, but Szczesny makes spectacular saves.
• 10’ – 2nd half: Vinícius Júnior cuts past Gerard Martín and shoots low, but Szczesny saves again.
• 24’ – 2nd half: Mbappé levels the score with a stunning free-kick, finding the top corner after a foul in the half-moon.

⚽ 70' | 1-1 | ¡¡¡GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL de @KMbappe!!!#FC25 | @easportsfc pic.twitter.com/PDt4UnSixg

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) April 26, 2025

VAR and refereeing under pressure

The VAR played a crucial role in key moments. At 46 minutes of the first half, a penalty for Real was nullified for offside on Vinícius Júnior. At 34 minutes, a Bellingham goal was disallowed for offside. In the second half, at 17 minutes, Vinícius claimed a handball on a Güler cross, but the play was already ruled offside. These calls, though accurate, drew complaints, with Ancelotti booked at 25 minutes of the first half.

The referees face a physical game. Cards were issued to Tchouaméni and Gerard Martín in the first half, and to Frenkie de Jong in the second. The intensity, with moments like the 36th-minute first-half incident where four players went down after hard tackles, demands firm officiating. The Barcelona-Real Madrid rivalry heightens the pressure on the refereeing crew, managing a global classic.

The La Cartuja crowd fuels the atmosphere. Barcelona fans erupted for Pedri’s goal, while Real supporters celebrated Mbappé’s equalizer. VAR decisions, though correct, spark debate, but they ensure accuracy in pivotal moments, maintaining the game’s fairness.

Context of the Copa del Rey final

Barcelona arrives in top form under Hansi Flick. The team has been consistent in the 2024-2025 season, with an attacking style rooted in possession and high pressing. Their shot average in the Copa del Rey reflects their chance creation, and the final is a chance to claim a title they haven’t won since 2021. Pedri, Yamal, and Raphinha lead the new generation, backed by Iñigo Martínez and Pau Cubarsí.

Real Madrid, reigning La Liga and Champions League champions, are favorites but face hurdles. Mbappé’s absence as a starter in the first half limited their attack, and their 1.6 yellow cards per game average shows the intensity of their matches. Mbappé’s 24th-minute free-kick goal reignites Real’s hopes, with Ancelotti tweaking the side to chase a comeback.

Both teams manage absences. Barcelona misses key players due to injuries, while Real monitors Mbappé’s fitness. The neutral La Cartuja ground evens the odds, and at 24 minutes of the second half, the match is tied, with the outcome still up in the air.

Numbers behind the clash

Barcelona dominated first-half stats, with higher possession and more shots. They earned multiple corners, reflecting their pressure, while Real struggled. In the second half, Real surged, with Vinícius and Mbappé creating chances. Barcelona’s 1.2 yellow cards per game and Real’s 1.6 signal a physical contest, with hard tackles on both sides.

Barcelona’s first-half efficiency contrasted with second-half missed chances. Pedri’s stunner was pivotal, but Szczesny’s key saves kept them in the game. Mbappé’s free-kick showed Real’s quality, while Courtois prevented a bigger deficit. At 24 minutes, the match is even.

Tactics and dynamism on display

Hansi Flick bets on an aggressive Barcelona, with high pressing and wing play. Yamal and Raphinha stretch defenses, while Pedri and Frenkie de Jong control midfield. The backline, with Iñigo Martínez and Cubarsí, faces the challenge of containing Mbappé and Vinícius, who are now more active. Barcelona aims to regain the lead with swift counterattacks.

Carlo Ancelotti revitalized Real with Mbappé, Modric, and Güler. The team relies on counterattacks, with Mbappé and Vinícius as focal points. Bellingham links midfield and attack, while the defense, led by Alaba and Militão, seeks to tighten up. Ancelotti’s finals experience is key to exploiting gaps left by Barcelona.

At 24 minutes, the game reflects tactical balance. The draw keeps the tension high, with both sides creating chances and goalkeepers shining. The Copa del Rey final promises more drama at La Cartuja.

Historic El Clásico rivalry

The El Clásico is a global spectacle. In the Copa del Rey, Barcelona-Real Madrid clashes are emotional and contentious. Barcelona won three of the last five cup meetings, with a 2.8 goals-per-game average, signaling open games. Young stars like Yamal and Pedri for Barcelona, and Mbappé and Vinícius for Real, refresh the rivalry, while Szczesny and Courtois add veteran poise.

The La Cartuja crowd creates a unique atmosphere. Chants echo the passion of Catalonia and Madrid, with Mbappé’s equalizer reigniting Real fans’ spirits. For Barcelona, victory would cement their rebuild; for Real, it would reinforce their dominance. At 24 minutes, the match remains undecided.

Clásico curiosities

• Mbappé scored his first free-kick goal in a Copa del Rey final.
• Szczesny matched his Copa del Rey single-game save record with stops against Vinícius.
• Barcelona hasn’t won the Copa del Rey since 2021, while Real seeks their 20th title.
• Pedri is the youngest to score in a Barcelona-Real Madrid Copa del Rey final since 2018.
• La Cartuja hosted three Copa del Rey finals in the last five years, all featuring Barcelona or Real.

Challenges for the rest of the match

Barcelona must sustain their intensity to seek victory. Their defense, solid so far, faces Mbappé and Vinícius, who are in top form. Pedri and Raphinha will be vital for creating chances, while Szczesny, in fine form, could be decisive. Flick needs to adjust to counter Real’s pressure.

Real Madrid, with the draw, gains momentum. Mbappé and Vinícius, backed by Modric, can tilt the game, but the defense needs solidity. Ancelotti, with his finals expertise, will aim to exploit counterattacks. At 24 minutes, the match is wide open, with both sides fighting for glory.

2️⃣ ¡Vamos con la segunda parte!
▶️ @FCBarcelona_es 1-0 @RealMadrid pic.twitter.com/pLXaQz5sZe

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) April 26, 2025

💥 GOAL BARÇA! PEDRI! 1-0! #ELCLÁSICO pic.twitter.com/1jYZvxZxLJ

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 26, 2025

⚠️ 𝙎𝘾𝙊𝙍𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝘾𝙃𝘼𝙉𝘾𝙀! Lamine Yamal rolls one juuuuuuust wide! 😳#ElClásico #CopaBarça pic.twitter.com/SgCg6l2fCy

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 26, 2025

REAL MADRID CLUB DE FÚTBOL pic.twitter.com/SzQr1ZfMFw

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) April 26, 2025