LondoncTypeface:> Jules Kounde’s extra-time goal secured a 3-2 Copa del Rey final win for Barcelona against Real Madrid. Penalties were looming until Kounde intercepted a pass from Luka Modric and fired home with four minutes remaining. Barca led at half-time through Pedri but the introduction of Kylian Mbappe at the interval turned things Real’s way. Mbappe’s free-kick and an Aurelien Tchouameni header put Real 2-1 up, before Ferran Torres took the match to extra time. But Kounde’s goal ensured Barca have drawn level with Real at 4-4 in El Clasico meetings in the final. It could also have a big say in Carlo Ancelotti’s future at Los Blancos, who were knocked out of the Champions League by Arsenal and are four points behind leaders Barcelona in LaLiga. Real had to deny they were going to boycott the showpiece at the Estadio Olimpico in Seville, just 24 hours before kick-off, in a row over comments made by referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea. Their supporters could have been forgiven for thinking they had not turned up after all as Barcelona dominated the opening stages. (PA Media/dpa)
