
Koundé lifts Barcelona to Copa del Rey glory with his extra-time winner against Madrid
SEVILLE, Spain — With the Copa del Rey final apparently ticking toward penalties, Jules Koundé pounced on the chance to snatch an extra-time winner to clinch Barcelona's 3-2 extra-time victory over Real Madrid on Saturday.
The France defender surged forward when he saw Brahim Díaz turn his back on Luka Modric's short pass near Madrid's area. He intercepted the ball, dribbled forward and fired a perfectly-placed low shot into the corner of the net to ignite Barcelona's faithful at La Cartuja Stadium.

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