Online Desk : Barcelona took a major step toward a potential treble by defeating archrivals Real Madrid 3-2 after extra time in a dramatic Copa del Rey final on Saturday.

Defender Jules Koundé emerged as the hero with a 116th-minute winner at La Cartuja Stadium, capitalizing on a loose pass from Luka Modric.

The victory marked Barcelona’s 32nd Copa del Rey title and their third El Clasico win over Madrid this season. The momentum now carries them into a Champions League semifinal showdown with Inter Milan and a four-point lead atop La Liga.

Pedri opened the scoring in the 28th minute with a long-range strike following a slick move initiated by teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. Barcelona dominated the first half, but Madrid roared back after halftime, with Kylian Mbappé coming off the bench to score a free kick in the 70th minute. Aurélien Tchouaméni added another with a powerful header in the 77th to give Madrid a 2-1 lead.

Ferran Torres, deputizing for the injured Robert Lewandowski, equalized in the 84th minute after a clever ball over the top from Yamal, sending the match into extra time.

Madrid`s frustration boiled over late, with Antonio Rüdiger, Jude Bellingham, and Lucas Vázquez all seeing red cards for dissent.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick praised his squad’s resilience, calling the victory a "huge win" that boosts belief in securing more trophies. King Felipe VI presented the trophy to captains Ronald Araujo and Marc-André ter Stegen.

The defeat adds to Real Madrid’s recent woes, following their Champions League exit and raising questions over Carlo Ancelotti’s future, with the coach hinting that a decision will come this summer.

Barcelona now turns its attention to continuing what could be a historic treble-winning season.