Mbappé scores a goal but can’t lead Madrid to the Copa title against Barcelona

By: The Associated Press Posted: 2:44 PM CDT Saturday, Apr. 26, 2025 Last Modified: 7:36 PM CDT Saturday, Apr. 26, 2025

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SEVILLE, Spain (AP) — Kylian Mbappé did the best he could to try and win a title with Real Madrid but fell short again in a 3-2 extra-time loss to archrival Barcelona in Saturday’s Copa del Rey final.

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 26/04/2025 (526 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Mbappé, who started on the bench after being sidelined with an ankle injury, sparked Madrid as a half-time substitute. The France striker earned and scored a free kick in the 70th minute to equalize. Madrid went ahead 2-1 soon after, only to see Barcelona rally for a third clasico victory this season.

Mbappé hasn’t played a full match since hurting his right ankle in a second-leg loss to Arsenal in the Champions League quarterfinals 10 days ago. He missed a La Liga game due to suspension and then was rested over the weekend, but it was still a mild surprise when he wasn’t included in the starting 11 for the clasico with a trophy at stake.

Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe grimaces on the ground after getting injured during the Champions League quarterfinals second leg soccer match between Real Madrid and Arsenal at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Wednesday, April 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Coach Carlo Ancelotti said the selection was a matter of fitness for Mbappé.

“He wasn’t up to playing 90 minutes, and I preferred to have him in the second half when the rhythm of the game drops a bit,” Ancelotti said. “He played well and scored a goal.”

Barcelona was also without its top scorer after Robert Lewandowski sustained a left thigh injury last weekend. Ferran Torres started in his place and the equalizer that forced extra time.