A Classic Showdown with Unforgettable Moments

The 2025 Copa del Rey Final was a thrilling battle between Barcelona and Real Madrid, with the Catalan giants snagging a nail-biting 3-2 victory. Player performances varied dramatically, reflecting both the intense pressure of the match and the stakes involved.

Goalkeepers and Defenders Struggle Under Pressure

**Thibaut Courtois - 4/10**: The Belgian keeper had a forgettable outing, misjudging a critical moment on Ferran Torres’ late equalizer. His questionable position during Koundé's game-winner might haunt him for a while. **Lucas Vazquez - 6/10**: Although he struggled with some errant passes early on, Vazquez held his ground for the most part, enabling Fede Valverde to shine in midfield.

**Raul Asencio - 6/10**: A risky move with a slide tackle on Raphinha could have cost his team dearly; only VAR's intervention saved him.

**Toni Rudiger - 6/10**: Battling through injury, Rudiger’s determination shone, but his emotional outburst on the sidelines could lead to disciplinary action.

**Ferland Mendy - N/A**: Sadly, Mendy was sidelined with injury shortly after kick-off.

Midfield Dynamos Shine Brightly

**Aurelien Tchouameni - 8.5/10**: Tchouameni delivered a standout performance, firing home a goal that resonated with Madrid's fans—his presence is now firmly established.

**Fede Valverde - 8.5/10**: Consistent as always, Valverde did it all: from defensive tackles to initiating counter-attacks—his versatility was invaluable.

**Dani Ceballos - 5/10**: Though he showed flashes of brilliance, Ceballos struggled to find his rhythm throughout the match.

**Jude Bellingham - 8.5/10**: Bellingham rose to the occasion in the second half, galvanizing the attack with his dynamic play and clever touches.

Star Forwards Flop in Crucial Moments

**Rodrygo - 2/10**: An underwhelming performance led to an early substitution; he failed to make any meaningful impact.

**Vinicius Junior - 5/10**: Expected to shine, Vinicius instead squandered critical chances, leaving his season underwhelming.

Substitutions That Changed the Game

**Fran Garcia - 7/10**: Garcia emerged strong in the second half, showcasing his potential at last.

**Kylian Mbappe - 8.5/10**: Instant game-changer! Mbappe’s stunning free-kick and relentless speed troubled Barcelona’s defense throughout his time on the field.

**Arda Guler - 8/10**: Guler made a mark with a pivotal assist for Tchouameni’s goal, proving he could impact the game significantly.

**Brahim Diaz - 5/10**: Diaz’s involvement was marred by an ill-timed offside just when Madrid needed a lift.

**Luka Modric - 7/10**: Modric showed leadership in stabilizing the midfield, although a crucial late pass could have sealed his side’s fate.

Conclusion: A Match for the Ages

This Copa del Rey final was a testament to the fierce rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid, filled with dramatic highs and lows. As players reflect on their performances, the road ahead looks challenging for some while others will bask in the glory of their stellar contributions.