Football
Three takeaways from Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid
The last time Barcelona lifted the Copa del Rey trophy, Lionel Messi delivered a legendary performance against Athletic Club, Ronald Koeman was managing the side, and Lamine Yamal was only 13 years old.
Fast forward to last night, and history was made once again. Barcelona edged past eternal rivals Real Madrid in a dramatic clash, securing the Copa del Rey title under the leadership of Hansi Flick, with Yamal now assisting two crucial goals.
It was a rollercoaster of a match. Barcelona started strong, controlling the game early on but eventually lost momentum, allowing Real Madrid to turn the tide in the second half.
However, Yamal’s late assist to Ferran Torres, followed by a stunning strike from Jules Kounde in the 115th minute, sealed a dramatic 3-2 victory.
It marked a second consecutive final win over Real Madrid, showcasing Barcelona’s grit and determination.
Barça Universal breaks down three major takeaways from Barcelona’s thrilling 3-2 win over Real Madrid.
The toughest Clasico
Everyone expected an intense and exhausting El Clasico final, but few could have predicted the sheer physical and mental toll it would take.
Barcelona dominated the first half, creating clear chances and taking the lead thanks to a spectacular goal from Pedri. Despite missing a traditional striker, they looked the better side early on.
Real Madrid, however, returned from the break revitalized. They gradually seized control, and goals from Kylian Mbappe and Aurelien Tchouameni put Barcelona on the brink of defeat.
Ferran Torres’ equalizer late in the second half forced extra time, but the additional 30 minutes tested Barcelona’s limits even further.
Physical fatigue wasn’t the only hurdle. Barcelona had to endure immense psychological pressure, especially with Real Madrid’s aggressive play and influence on the officials.
Despite numerous harsh fouls and controversial penalty calls not going their way, the Blaugrana stayed resilient. Ultimately, it was football that prevailed, as Hansi Flick’s men overcame the odds to claim the title.
A team built different
Hansi Flick has molded a Barcelona side that stands apart from previous eras, particularly when it comes to mental strength.
Leading until the 70th minute, Barcelona suddenly found themselves trailing and staring at defeat.
Where earlier squads might have crumbled under the pressure, Flick’s team showed remarkable composure.
With only minutes left, Barcelona dug deep. Ferran Torres found the equalizer, and the team pushed relentlessly in extra time.
As the possibility of a penalty shootout loomed — something that would have favored Real Madrid — Barcelona refused to let it come to that.
Jules Kounde’s moment of inspiration, bursting forward to score the winner despite clear signs of exhaustion, embodied the new spirit within the squad.
It was the unshakable desire to win, matched with belief in their game plan, that truly set Flick’s Barcelona apart. This mental transformation has become the team’s greatest weapon.
One step closer to the dream
In recent seasons, Barcelona have learned that winning trophies is far from guaranteed. The rebuilding phase has been tough, but last night’s triumph showed that the transition is bearing fruit.
The victory was not just for the players on the pitch but also for the club’s management, the administration, and the long-term project they have been nurturing.
Winning the Copa del Rey after four long years is a huge boost, especially at such a pivotal moment in the season.
The celebrations may be short-lived, with a crucial UEFA Champions League match coming up, but the significance of this trophy cannot be understated. It marks a huge step forward in Barcelona’s pursuit of the treble.
With one title secured, the motivation to conquer Europe and reclaim La Liga will be stronger than ever.
The incredible remontada against Real Madrid has provided momentum, and Barcelona will approach their upcoming clash with Inter Milan brimming with belief. The dream of a historic treble is no longer just a fantasy—it feels within reach.
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is reportedly determined to force a move to Barcelona this summer.
The England international joined Aston Villa on loan in January and has impressed with four goals and six assists in 17 outings under Unai Emery, although a recent hamstring issue has kept him sidelined.
Villa hold an option to sign Rashford permanently for £40 million this summer, but they have yet to decide whether to trigger it—and they do not possess first refusal, meaning Manchester United could sell him elsewhere.
Rashford was heavily linked with Barcelona in January, but financial constraints scuppered a deal and opened the door for Villa.
Rashford ’looking to force’ Barcelona switch
Despite enjoying his spell in the West Midlands, Barcelona remain Rashford’s preferred destination.
According to Sport, his representatives have approached the Catalan giants about a potential loan move, though United would need to subsidise part of his £325,000‑a‑week wages—or Barcelona would have to agree to a significant pay cut on his behalf.
Clubs in Saudi Arabia and across the Premier League are also monitoring the situation, but Rashford has made it clear that he only wants to join Hansi Flick’s side.
Would Man United accept another loan deal?
Selling Rashford this summer would count as pure profit for United under Premier League Profit and Sustainability rules, thanks to his home‑grown status.
While United are keen to reinvest any funds raised, it’s hard to see them agreeing to another loan—especially one that leaves them covering part of his salary.
That said, they might contemplate a move with a mandatory purchase clause in 2026, giving them both short‑term flexibility and long‑term certainty.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly growing concerned that Ruben Amorim might walk away from Manchester United.
After Erik ten Hag’s dismissal in October 2024 following a 2-1 loss to West Ham, United moved swiftly to bring in Amorim on the back of his success at Sporting CP.
Yet translating his tactics at Old Trafford has proven challenging, with the Red Devils languishing in 16th place in the Premier League.
Despite domestic struggles, United have excelled in Europe and stand one win away from securing Champions League football by beating Tottenham Hotspur in Wednesday’s Europa League final.
Amorim himself hinted at the possibility of an early exit if results don’t improve, saying, “It’s a decisive moment in the history of the club. We need to be really strong in the summer and to be brave because we will not have a next season like this. If we start like this, if the feeling is still here, we should give the space to different people.”
According to The Sun, Ratcliffe—United’s minority owner and INEOS chairman—“remains concerned” that Amorim may decide “enough is enough after a campaign of chaos.”
The report suggests Ratcliffe views the 40-year-old Portuguese as somewhat of a “loose cannon” and wants reassurance that Amorim will honour the final two years of his contract rather than depart and leave the club in disarray.
Ahead of the crucial final, Amorim appeared undeterred, insisting on his belief in the squad’s readiness. “I am really confident. I feel that my players are ready for this game. They know what it means, not just for us but for our fans and for the club.
After this season, we are ready to fight for the one thing that can help us remember this season in a different way.
So I am really confident.” With both Ratcliffe’s concerns and Amorim’s resolve laid bare, all eyes will be on Wembley to see whether the Europa League final serves as a turning point for United’s tumultuous season.
Football
Ex Arsenal star Lacazette’s home burgled while playing final game for Lyon with cash and jewellery stolen
Alexandre Lacazette’s home was targeted by burglars while he was on the pitch for Lyon last night, according to French outlet Le Progrès.
The 33‑year‑old, playing his 391st and final match for his boyhood club, was facing Angers at Groupama Stadium when two intruders are reported to have broken into his residence in Lyon’s fifth arrondissement around 9.30 pm local time.
Once inside, they accessed a safe and made off with jewellery, luxury leather goods and cash, with the stolen haul “claimed to be tens of thousands of pounds.”
Security cameras captured the suspects, and police launched an investigation after the burglary was officially reported at 1.30 am.
Lacazette rose through Lyon’s youth system before joining Arsenal in 2017, then returned to France in 2022.
Manager Paulo Fonseca recently confirmed that Lacazette will depart when his contract expires this summer, as Lyon look to balance the books amid financial concerns.
In recognition of his service, supporters unveiled a giant tifo before kick‑off, and Lacazette honored them by scoring both goals in a 2-0 victory over Angers—his 200th and 201st for the club—securing a sixth‑place finish.
He joins several teammates who have suffered similar crimes in recent seasons, including Georges Mikautadze, who was robbed at gunpoint last December, and Dejan Lovren, who faced an attempted break‑in in October 2023.
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