Third Clásico of the season and third victory for Barça against a Madrid that has shown its best image in a long time, at least in the second half. Flick's team won by the minimum in the Copa del Rey final, winning 3 to 2 thanks to an extra time goal by Koundé. The French defender appeared with a great shot from outside the box, stealing the ball from Brahim, to easily beat Courtois.
It wasn't an easy duel for Barça, which showed its anger over some refereeing decisions. In the first half alone, a forgiven red card for Tchouameni was claimed, and a penalty not called on Ceballos over Cubarsí. In the second half, another penalty not called on Ferran, and a dubious VAR intervention in injury time. Despite having the wind against them for many moments, Flick's team managed to prevail, winning the second title of the season.
Meanwhile, Madrid's image in the first minutes of the Clásico was very poor, something that changed in the second half. Carlo Ancelotti made the decision to make substitutions, bringing in, among others, Mbappé. After the break, the performance was superior, creating danger and pressing high whenever they could. This helped them come back from the initial 1-0, and subsequently, go to extra time.
Barça Confirms Ancelotti's Dismissal
Having won this Copa del Rey final, Barça has practically taken away the only opportunity for Real Madrid to lift a title this season. The Catalans have won all three Clásicos this season and have left Ancelotti holding on to the last possible rope, dependent on a LaLiga that seems impossible.
With five matches remaining, including another Barça-Madrid in between, the gap is four points. It's by no means insurmountable, but It does seem difficult for them to turn it around.
This time, we're talking about a very contested Clásico that could have gone either way, but it went to Barça. Barcelona was very angry about certain refereeing decisions. Decisions that come after statements and pressures from Real Madrid, which was close to getting its way. At least the refereeing body did everything in their power to achieve it.