“The way he completely shut down Vinícius Jr. and Mbappé last night deserves serious analysis. I’ve heard a lot about him before, but seeing it live was something else. Without question, he’s probably the best defender in Spain at the moment,” said Real Madrid coach Ancelotti, as he singled out the ONE Barcelona defender who made life difficult for his attackers throughout the game — and it wasn’t Cubarsí.

In an electrifying Copa del Rey final held on April 26, 2025, at Seville’s Estadio de La Cartuja, FC Barcelona claimed their record-extending 32nd Spanish Cup title with a thrilling 3-2 extra-time triumph over arch-rivals Real Madrid.

The match showcased attacking quality from both sides, but it was Barcelona’s French defender, Jules Koundé, who stole the spotlight with an exceptional performance that combined defensive composure, tactical intelligence, and a moment of individual brilliance to secure the win.

Facing an intimidating Real Madrid attack featuring Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., and Jude Bellingham, Koundé delivered a superb defensive display. Even though Mbappé came off the bench to score a stunning free-kick equalizer in the 70th minute, Koundé’s positioning, discipline, and awareness largely nullified the threat posed by Madrid’s star-studded frontline.

Right from the start, Koundé was assigned the difficult task of containing Vinícius Jr., widely regarded as one of the best wingers in the world. Through clever anticipation, strength, and well-timed challenges, he effectively limited the Brazilian’s influence on the game, including a crucial moment in the first half where he forced an offside that potentially denied Madrid a penalty opportunity.

His partnership with rising star Pau Cubarsí formed a sturdy defensive unit that withstood waves of Madrid pressure, especially after Aurélien Tchouaméni put Madrid 2-1 ahead in the 77th minute. Despite the setback, Koundé’s leadership kept Barcelona calm and organized as the match stretched into extra time.

The decisive moment came deep in extra time, in the 116th minute, when Koundé capitalized on a wayward pass from Brahim Díaz. Seizing the opportunity, he surged forward and struck a brilliant 25-yard shot into the bottom corner past goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The stadium erupted as Barcelona players swarmed Koundé to celebrate the goal that effectively decided the final.

Beyond his match-winning goal, Koundé played a crucial role in executing coach Hansi Flick’s tactical plan. His ability to read the game, distribute the ball accurately, and lead the defensive line was evident throughout the match. He contributed to the buildup of Ferran Torres’ 84th-minute equalizer and helped manage Madrid’s offside traps repeatedly.

This outstanding display capped a remarkable season for the 26-year-old, whose consistency and brilliance in big matches, especially against Real Madrid, have made him a key figure in Barcelona’s revival under Flick. His performances in other El Clásico clashes this season further cement his reputation as one of Europe’s top defenders.