Real Madrid player ratings vs Barcelona: Who stepped up and who fell short in Copa del Rey defeat

Carlo Ancelotti’s final season at the helm of Real Madrid began in bitter disappointment as the Blancos suffered a 3-2 defeat to arch-rivals Barcelona in a thrilling Copa del Rey final that extended into extra time. Held at Seville’s Estadio de La Cartuja, the latest edition of El Clásico was defined by dramatic momentum swings, individual brilliance, and costly errors—culminating in Jules Koundé’s late strike to hand Barça the silverware.

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‎Ancelotti's trophy hunt begins in heartbreak as Barcelona beat Real Madrid in Copa del Rey final.

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‎Madrid, missing Kylian Mbappé in the starting lineup, struggled mightily in the opening half. Lamine Yamal tore through Los Blancos' midfield and defense with ease, eventually setting up Pedri to curl in a sublime opener from outside the box. Barcelona continued to dominate, with Dani Olmo hitting the post and Yamal himself spurning a golden chance to double the lead.

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‎Though Madrid had a goal chalked off and a penalty revoked for offside, their first-half effort was passive and largely ineffective. The introduction of Mbappé at the interval, however, transformed their attack. The Frenchman’s energy and incisiveness pushed the game into a higher gear. He eventually found the equalizer, curling in a precise free kick off the post with 20 minutes left.

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‎Madrid then seized control as Aurelien Tchouaméni rose highest from a corner to nod home the go-ahead goal. But defensive frailty would again undo their work. Yamal, unrelenting on the right wing, slipped a ball into Ferran Torres, who rounded Thibaut Courtois to restore parity.

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‎As stoppage time approached, controversy erupted. Barcelona were initially awarded a penalty for a late challenge, only for the decision to be overturned after VAR review.

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‎Extra time offered few clear chances, but the decisive moment came in the 116th minute. Substitute Brahim Diaz’s errant pass was intercepted by Koundé, who rifled in a low shot from distance to seal the cup for Barcelona.

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‎It was a harsh ending for Ancelotti’s side, who had shown resilience to come from behind but once again fell short in a high-stakes clash. The loss adds to a growing list of disappointments this season, and for Ancelotti, it raises early questions about whether his farewell tour will yield any major silverware.

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‎Player Ratings – Real Madrid:

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‎Courtois (5/10): Could do little on the goals, but looked shaky in key moments.

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‎Vazquez (6/10): Reliable at right-back, stood firm against Raphinha.

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‎R. Asencio (5/10): Reckless in stoppage time—nearly cost a penalty.

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‎Rüdiger (6/10): Tough but lost Torres for the equalizer.

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‎Mendy (N/A): Injured early.

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‎Tchouaméni (8/10): Scored a brilliant header and anchored midfield well.

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‎Valverde (6/10): Covered gaps but lacked offensive punch.

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‎Ceballos (5/10): Struggled to impact the game.

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‎Bellingham (8/10): Energetic, creative, and influential after halftime.

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‎Vinícius Jr (6/10): Much better after the break but forced off late.

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‎Rodrygo (4/10): Anonymous, subbed at halftime.

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‎Substitutes

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‎Mbappé (8/10): Game-changer off the bench.

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‎Modric (6/10): Mixed influence, turnover led to the winner.

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‎Güler (7/10): Delivered the corner for Madrid’s second.

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‎Fran García (6/10): Battled but couldn’t contain Yamal.

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‎Diaz (N/A): Costly mistake.

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‎Endrick (N/A): No time to contribute.

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‎Manager

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‎Ancelotti (4/10): Tactical decisions backfired; Madrid's defensive flaws remain unresolved.