Champion size

Koundé earned a place of honor in Barça 's history. He scored the winning goal deep into extra time, after a match that highlighted the team's best performance in the first half and their courage in overcoming Real Madrid 's impressive second-half comeback, driven by the introduction of Mbappé. Barça's competitiveness, so often demonstrated under Flick's direction, led them to equalize, come from behind, and, in some ways, rescue the referees from the enormous controversy that loomed after a pair of decisions that forced them to consider the consequences of the deplorable eve of the final, which Madrid turned into a summary judgment of the refereeing. Two plays in the last minute of regular time placed the referees in a predictable situation. They had to decide on a more than likely penalty awarded by Rudiger on Ferran—the referee said there was no foul, and the VAR officer acted condescendingly—before exchanging opinions and rectifying the referee's initial decision, which awarded Asencio a penalty on Raphinha in the following play. A monumental mess erupted, one of those moments that keep the flame of controversy alive for centuries to come. Koundé resolved Barça's bitter complaint. He appeared in an unusual position on the wing, detected a poor pass from Madrid, and dared to shoot past Courtois. It was the 116th minute of a great final, bewildering at times, but magnificent in its excitement, outstanding players, and an uncertainty that lingered well past midnight.

The two most common versions of the teams were reflected in a superb first half for Barça. Mbappé, who came on after the break, turned the game around in the second half. His effect was instantaneous. His impact was radical, as you'd expect from true football stars. He rescued Madrid from their doldrums and transformed them into a spirited team. The final, which was shaping up to be a blaugrana romp, took on a massive magnitude. Before their proud comeback, Madrid endured the final on one knee, destroyed by Barça's perfect combination of creativity, rigor, and conviction, which left no stone unturned in their game.

Barça's competitive ability led them to draw, come from behind and rescue the referees.

Pedri's goal symbolized the distance separating the teams. It began with an interception by Cubarsí. In a flash, he avoided the considerable danger posed by Bellingham's pass into open play and mounted one of the most brilliant counterattacks of the year. The youngster's tackle ended at Pedri's feet. From the Blaugrana half, he connected with Lamine, a 50-meter pass that required a feat from the winger. He controlled, cut, and passed. Pedri arrived and captured a sensational finish. Barça didn't think the advantage of that extraordinary goal was enough. They had done everything they could to put the game to bed. Ancelotti understood the embarrassment his team was making and brought out all the forces. Mbappé stirred the game to such an extent that a draw seemed natural. The second goal also fit with the momentum the game took in the second half. Barça became disorganized, and Madrid went all out for what they prefer: quick transitions and agitation. Flick took longer than expected to halt the attack, but the substitutions—Fermín, Gavi, and the transfer of Iñigo Martínez to left back in place of Gerard Martín—had consequences. Barça regained their momentum. The game returned, and Lamine played a perfect pass that Ferran converted to equalize. Barça returned, overcoming its mistakes and adverse conditions, including a couple of refereeing decisions that invited a tsunami.