Barcelona Edges Real Madrid in Thrilling Copa del Rey Final
SEVILLA,Spain (AP) — Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 3-2 in extra time in the Copa del Rey final saturday,despite a strong showing from a less-than-fully-fit Kylian Mbappé.
Mbappé’s Impact Not Enough as Barcelona Clinches victory
Mbappé, recovering from a recent ankle injury, started on the bench but made an immediate impact as a second-half substitute. The French forward drew a foul and converted the resulting free kick in the 70th minute, leveling the score. While Real Madrid briefly took the lead, barcelona rallied to secure their third Clásico victory of the season.
Ancelotti Explains Mbappé’s Limited role
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti cited Mbappé’s fitness as the reason for his benching. “he was not in condition to play 90 minutes, and I preferred to have him in the second half when the rhythm of the game slows down a bit,” Ancelotti saeid. “He played well and scored a goal.” Mbappé hadn’t completed a full match since injuring his right ankle in a Champions League quarterfinal loss to Arsenal ten days prior.
Barcelona Also Missing Key Striker
Barcelona was also without their leading scorer, Robert Lewandowski, who suffered a left thigh injury the previous weekend. Ferran Torres started in his place and scored the equalizing goal that sent the match into extra time.
What strategic consideration led too Carlo Ancelotti starting Kylian Mbappé on the bench?
Barcelona Edges Real Madrid in Thrilling Copa del Rey Final
SEVILLA,Spain (AP) — Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 3-2 in extra time in the Copa del Rey final Saturday,despite a strong showing from a less-then-fully-fit Kylian Mbappé.
Mbappé’s Impact not Enough as Barcelona Clinches victory
Mbappé, recovering from a recent ankle injury, started on the bench but made an immediate impact as a second-half substitute. The French forward drew a foul and converted the resulting free kick in the 70th minute, leveling the score. While Real Madrid briefly took the lead, Barcelona rallied to secure their third Clásico victory of the season.
Ancelotti Explains Mbappé’s Limited role
Real madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti cited mbappé’s fitness as the reason for his benching. “He was not in condition to play 90 minutes, and I preferred to have him in the second half when the rhythm of the game slows down a bit,” Ancelotti said. “He played well and scored a goal.” Mbappé hadn’t completed a full match since injuring his right ankle in a Champions League quarterfinal loss to Arsenal ten days prior.
Barcelona Also Missing Key Striker
Barcelona was also without their leading scorer, Robert Lewandowski, who suffered a left thigh injury the previous weekend. Ferran Torres started in his place and scored the equalizing goal that sent the match into extra time.
Copa del Rey Final: Q&A
Why was Kylian Mbappé on the bench?
Mbappé was recovering from a recent ankle injury, which limited his playing time. Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti strategically used him as a second-half substitute to maximize his impact when the game’s pace might have slowed.
How did Mbappé perform in the final?
Despite being on the bench initially, Mbappé made an immediate impact, scoring a crucial goal from a free kick to level the score. This highlights his importance to the team even when not fully fit.
Who else was missing from the match?
Barcelona was without their leading scorer, Robert Lewandowski, due to a left thigh injury. Ferran Torres stepped in for him and scored a vital goal that helped send the match into extra time.
What was the final score and who won?
Barcelona won the match 3-2 in extra time, securing their third victory against Real Madrid this season.
Engaging Trivia
This Copa del Rey final was a Clásico,meaning it was a match between the two most prosperous teams in Spanish soccer: Real Madrid and Barcelona. Matches between these two teams are always highly anticipated!
Barcelona’s strategic approach, especially with their substitutions, proved decisive in this thrilling Copa del Rey final.
