VAR overturns Raphinha’s penalty at 54th minute, sending Barcelona vs. Real Madrid to extra time in Copa del Rey final

12 min de leitura
Raphinha Barcelona Foto: Raphinha Barcelona - Foto: Instagram

The Copa del Rey final between Barcelona and Real Madrid, held at La Cartuja stadium in Seville, has been a historic clash that reached extra time after a 3-3 draw up to the 54th minute of the second half. A pivotal moment came at the 50th minute when Raphinha won a penalty, only for the VAR to reverse the call, deeming it a simulation by the Brazilian, who also received a yellow card. Barcelona, who took the lead with Pedri and regained it with Ferran Torres, saw Real Madrid stage a comeback with goals from Mbappé and Tchouaméni. The match, still ongoing, keeps fans on edge with controversial calls, stunning saves, and an intensity that mirrors the rivalry between Spain’s two giants.

The game began with Barcelona dominating possession and pressing Real Madrid from the outset. Under Hansi Flick’s guidance, the Catalans exploited the flanks with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, while Pedri orchestrated the midfield. Real Madrid, initially more defensive, relied on counterattacks led by Vinícius Júnior but gained momentum in the second half with Kylian Mbappé’s introduction. The VAR’s decision to overturn Raphinha’s penalty reignited refereeing controversies, already a sore point before the match, but the players remain focused on chasing the title.

The rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid, absent from the Copa del Rey final since 2014, elevates the match to a unique level. La Cartuja stadium, with around 60,000 fans, is a cauldron of emotions, despite pre-game incidents like a brawl resulting in one arrest. Extra time, with 30 additional minutes, promises even more drama, with both teams exhausted but determined to claim the prestigious trophy.

First half under Catalan control

Barcelona took the field with a clear strategy: control possession and press Real Madrid in their own half. As early as the 6th minute, Ferran Torres nearly scored after a low cross, but Tchouaméni made a crucial clearance. The Catalan side maintained the pressure, and at the 15th minute, Raphinha crossed for Torres, who was blocked by Valverde in a controversial moment where Barcelona demanded a penalty for a handball. The referee, however, deemed Valverde’s arm in a natural position and let play continue.

At the 18th minute, Lamine Yamal showcased his talent with a low shot that skimmed past Thibaut Courtois’ post. The Belgian goalkeeper was vital for Real Madrid, making key saves, such as at the 20th minute, when he parried a dangerous header from Jules Koundé off a Raphinha free kick. Barcelona’s dominance was cemented at the 28th minute when Pedri scored a screamer, striking a first-time shot into the top corner after a pass from Yamal, leaving Courtois helpless.

Real Madrid struggled to create in the first half, managing their first real chance only at the 22nd minute, when Rodrygo found Fran García in the box, but the full-back was blocked. In stoppage time, Vinícius Júnior won a penalty, overturned for offside, prompting complaints from Carlo Ancelotti, who was booked with a yellow card. The first half ended with Barcelona leading 1-0, but Real showed signs of a potential fightback in the second half.

  • Key moments of the first half:
    • 6’: Ferran Torres nearly scores, but Tchouaméni clears a cross.
    • 15’: Valverde blocks Ferran Torres’ shot, and Barcelona demands a penalty.
    • 18’: Lamine Yamal shoots low, nearly opening the scoring.
    • 20’: Courtois makes a great save on Koundé’s header.
    • 28’: Pedri scores a stunning goal with a top-corner strike.

Merengue comeback in the second half

The second half kicked off with a significant change for Real Madrid: Kylian Mbappé, who started on the bench due to an ankle sprain, replaced Rodrygo. The Frenchman’s presence brought more speed to the merengue attack, which began exploiting counterattacks. At the 3rd minute, Vinícius Júnior had two clear chances, both stopped by spectacular saves from Wojciech Szczesny, who stood out for Barcelona.

At the 9th minute, the introductions of Arda Güler and Luka Modric, replacing Dani Ceballos and Lucas Vázquez, added creativity to Real’s midfield. The game opened up, and by the 12th minute, it became an end-to-end affair. Raphinha squandered a counterattack opportunity, while Vinícius Júnior threatened with a cross-shot. Real’s equalizer came at the 24th minute when Mbappé struck a precise free kick into Szczesny’s right corner, the ball clipping the post before going in.

Real Madrid’s comeback was completed at the 31st minute on a corner taken by Güler. Tchouaméni rose above the defense and headed powerfully past Szczesny. The goal ignited Real, who nearly extended their lead at the 28th minute when Vinícius Júnior set up Mbappé, but Cubarsí made a vital block. Barcelona, however, refused to back down and began reorganizing their attack to mount a response.

Barcelona’s response with Yamal and Torres

At the 36th minute, Lamine Yamal nearly equalized with an individual play, cutting inside and shooting across goal, but Courtois made a spectacular save, palming the ball out for a corner. Two minutes later, at the 38th minute, Barcelona retook the lead with a stunning goal from Ferran Torres. Yamal delivered a perfect pass behind Antonio Rüdiger, and Torres, with composure, dribbled past Courtois and slotted into an empty net, sending the Catalan fans into a frenzy.

The substitution of Gerard Martín for Ronald Araujo at the 39th minute bolstered Barcelona’s defense, which had been struggling with the pace of Vinícius and Mbappé. At the 40th minute, Gavi replaced Frenkie de Jong, bringing more energy to the midfield. Barcelona kept pressing, and at the 50th minute, Raphinha won a penalty after being brought down by Asencio, but the VAR overturned the call, deeming it a simulation, resulting in a yellow card for the Brazilian and heated protests from Real Madrid.

Controversies and tension heading to extra time

The second half was marked by high tension, particularly with the VAR review that overturned Raphinha’s penalty at the 54th minute. Referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea’s decision, already a target of Real Madrid’s pre-game criticism, reignited refereeing debates. Real players argued Raphinha dived, while Barcelona contested the reversal, but the match proceeded to extra time with the score tied at 3-3.

Substitutions also shifted the game’s dynamics. Gavi’s entrance for Barcelona at the 40th minute added tenacity, while Vinícius Júnior’s exit at the 43rd minute, replaced by Brahim Díaz, surprised given the Brazilian’s impact. Yellow cards to Fermín López and Luka Modric, both at the 45th minute, reflect the growing intensity, with tougher fouls and heated duels. Extra time, with 30 additional minutes, tests both teams’ physical and mental resilience.

  • Decisive moments of the second half up to the 54th minute:
    • 24’: Mbappé equalizes with a free kick into Szczesny’s right corner.
    • 31’: Tchouaméni scores the go-ahead goal with a header from Güler’s corner.
    • 38’: Ferran Torres scores after a pass from Lamine Yamal.
    • 50’: Raphinha wins a penalty, but VAR reviews the play.
    • 54’: VAR overturns penalty, and Raphinha is booked for simulation.

Historic rivalry and the match’s weight

The classic between Barcelona and Real Madrid is one of football’s greatest, and this Copa del Rey final adds another chapter to this storied rivalry. Their last final meeting in 2014 saw Real win 2-1, highlighted by Gareth Bale’s iconic goal. For Barcelona, the title would be a step toward a potential “treble,” while Real Madrid, led by Carlo Ancelotti, aims to solidify their knockout dominance.

The absence of Robert Lewandowski, injured, and Kylian Mbappé’s limited fitness make the clash unpredictable. Youngsters like Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Tchouaméni shine, while veterans like Modric and Courtois bring experience. The refereeing controversy, with Real Madrid skipping pre-game events, added tension, but the players appear unfazed, focused on their performances.

La Cartuja stadium, packed to capacity, mirrors the fans’ passion, despite incidents like a pre-game brawl resulting in one arrest. The atmosphere is electric, with chants echoing through the stands, creating a unique setting. The final, featuring Spain’s most successful clubs, captivates millions, underscoring the classic’s grandeur.

Goalkeepers’ performances and defensive challenges

The goalkeepers have been central figures. Wojciech Szczesny, standing in for Barcelona’s Marc-André ter Stegen, made crucial saves, especially against Vinícius Júnior, keeping his team in contention. Thibaut Courtois, for Real Madrid, also excelled, with interventions like the save on Yamal’s shot at the 36th minute. Both keepers’ performances will be even more critical in extra time, with the game tied and teams fatigued.

Defensively, both sides face challenges. Barcelona’s high line leaves gaps for Real’s counterattacks, exploited by Vinícius and Mbappé. Cubarsí and Koundé have stood out in the Catalan defense but need focus. For Real, Mendy’s first-half exit and Rüdiger’s second-half treatment highlight vulnerabilities, with Militao and Asencio under pressure to contain the opposition.

Timeline of key moments

The match has been packed with moments that shaped its course. Below is a chronology of the main events up to the 54th minute of the second half:

  • 28’ (1st half): Pedri opens the scoring with a top-corner strike after a pass from Lamine Yamal.
  • 24’ (2nd half): Mbappé equalizes with a free kick into Szczesny’s right corner.
  • 31’ (2nd half): Tchouaméni scores the go-ahead goal with a header from Güler’s corner.
  • 38’ (2nd half): Ferran Torres scores after a pass from Lamine Yamal.
  • 54’ (2nd half): VAR overturns Raphinha’s penalty, booking him for simulation.

Impact of substitutions and tactical strategies

Substitutions have been pivotal. For Barcelona, Gavi’s entry at the 40th minute brought energy to the midfield, while Ronald Araujo strengthened the defense. For Real Madrid, Vinícius Júnior’s exit at the 43rd minute, replaced by Brahim Díaz, was a bold move by Ancelotti to refresh the attack. Mbappé’s halftime introduction had already shifted the game, with the Frenchman scoring and creating chances.

Hansi Flick maintains a possession-based, high-pressing strategy that excelled in the first half but required adjustments to counter Real’s breakaways. Ancelotti transformed Real into a more direct side in the second half, leveraging Mbappé and Vinícius’ speed. Players like Raphinha and Yamal for Barcelona and Tchouaméni for Real have been decisive, with performances that tilt the game.

Atmosphere in Seville and fans’ passion

La Cartuja stadium is alive with the energy of Barcelona and Real Madrid fans, creating a spectacle of their own. A pre-game clash between supporters led to one arrest, but security was tightened to prevent further incidents. On the pitch, the players seem unfazed, delivering a high-level technical and emotional performance.

The rivalry is felt in every chant, turning the stadium into a cauldron. The Copa del Rey final, with its rich history, is a celebration of Spanish football, captivating millions worldwide. The bond between players and fans is clear, with every goal, save, and controversial call met with fervent cheers or protests.

Extra time with everything on the line

With a 3-3 draw, extra time tests the physical and mental endurance of Barcelona and Real Madrid. Barcelona, frustrated by the overturned penalty, must stay focused to avoid Real’s counterattacks. The merengues, meanwhile, aim to capitalize on players like Mbappé and Brahim Díaz to turn the game. The match remains unpredictable, with both teams creating chances and sustaining the intensity.

The technical quality on display is remarkable, with youngsters like Yamal, Pedri, and Tchouaméni shining alongside veterans like Modric and Courtois. The final, already one of the most thrilling Copa del Rey clashes, promises an epic conclusion in extra time, with both clubs battling for every ball.

  • Factors that could influence extra time:
    • The teams’ physical condition after over 90 minutes of high intensity.
    • Finishing efficiency, with both sides creating clear chances.
    • The performances of goalkeepers Szczesny and Courtois, who have made decisive saves.
    • The impact of substitutions, which have shifted the game’s rhythm.

Expectations for extra time

Now in extra time, the expectation is that the 30 additional minutes will be breathtaking. Barcelona must overcome the frustration of the overturned penalty and maintain organization, while Real Madrid will look to exploit any gaps left by the opposition. The rivalry, combined with the players’ quality, ensures a spectacle worthy of the classic’s history.

The Copa del Rey final, played in a packed stadium and watched by millions, is a celebration of football. Every play reflects the passion and competitiveness that make Barcelona and Real Madrid global benchmarks. Extra time, with everything on the line, continues to write the story of one of football’s greatest rivalries.

Esportes

Luís Henrique Costa é jornalista formado pela FMU, editor-chefe e fundador do Mix Vale, portal de notícias em atividade desde 2013. Responde pela direção editorial do veículo, que cobre Brasil e mundo em economia, benefícios sociais, esportes, tecnologia, ciência e entretenimento. Atua na área há mais de 15 anos e lidera uma equipe de cerca de 15 colaboradores.

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