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**Title: Barcelona Clinch Copa del Rey in Thrilling Clásico Comeback, Intensifying Pressure on Ancelotti After Flick Secures Third Straight Win**

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**Title: Barcelona Clinch Copa del Rey in Thrilling Clásico Comeback, Intensifying Pressure on Ancelotti After Flick Secures Third Straight Win**

 

**Introduction**

FC Barcelona secured their second trophy of the season under Hansi Flick, clinching the Copa del Rey in a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over arch-rivals Real Madrid. The pulsating final, marked by a stunning Barcelona comeback, not only added silverware to the Camp Nou cabinet but also solidified Flick's tactical dominance over Carlo Ancelotti this season, further fueling speculation about the Italian manager's future at the Santiago Bernabéu amid the growing possibility of a trophyless campaign for Los Blancos.

**Title: Barcelona Clinch Copa del Rey in Thrilling Clásico Comeback, Intensifying Pressure on Ancelotti After Flick Secures Third Straight Win**
**Title: Barcelona Clinch Copa del Rey in Thrilling Clásico Comeback, Intensifying Pressure on Ancelotti After Flick Secures Third Straight Win**

**Title: Barcelona Clinch Copa del Rey in Thrilling Clásico Comeback, Intensifying Pressure on Ancelotti After Flick Secures Third Straight Win**


**A Final of Fluctuating Fortunes**

The final lived up to its billing as a fiercely contested Clásico. Barcelona drew first blood when Pedri unleashed a powerful strike from outside the area in the 28th minute, giving the Catalans a deserved halftime lead. However, Real Madrid, showcasing their resilience, mounted a second-half comeback. Kylian Mbappé levelled the score in the 70th minute before Aurélien Tchouaméni headed Madrid into the lead just seven minutes later, seemingly turning the tide in favour of Ancelotti's side.

 

  • Yet, Barcelona, embodying the fighting spirit Flick has instilled, refused to
  •  buckle. Ferran Torres provided a crucial equalizer in the 84th minute,
  •  sending the enthralling contest into extra time. With penalties looming,
  • Barcelona delivered the decisive blow in the 116th minute, completing a
  •  remarkable "remontada" to seal the Copa del Rey title.

 

**Title: Barcelona Clinch Copa del Rey in Thrilling Clásico Comeback, Intensifying Pressure on Ancelotti After Flick Secures Third Straight Win**

**Flick's Treble Dream and Barcelona's Resurgence**

This victory marked Hansi Flick's third consecutive triumph over Real Madrid this season, following a dominant 5-2 win in the Spanish Super Cup final and a comprehensive 4-0 victory in their first La Liga encounter. The German coach, clearly proud of his team's tenacity, now stands on the cusp of potentially leading Barcelona to a historic treble – a feat last achieved by the club in the 2014-2015 season under Luis Enrique.

 

  1. "It was a perfect night, I am very proud," Flick stated post-match. "Winning a
  2.  title in a Clásico against Real Madrid is always special... The treble is a
  3.  possibility, but we must continue working." Barcelona currently lead La Liga
  4.  by four points over Real Madrid with five matches remaining, including a
  5.  potentially decisive head-to-head clash on May 11th. Furthermore, they are
  6.  set to face Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-finals, keeping the
  7.  dream of European glory alive.

 

**Ancelotti Under Scrutiny as Madrid Face Barren Season**

In stark contrast, the defeat pushes Real Madrid closer to an undesirable trophyless season. Having already lost the Super Cup and now the Copa del Rey to their fiercest rivals, coupled with an exit from the Champions League quarter-finals at the hands of Arsenal, the pressure is mounting significantly on Carlo Ancelotti. The consistent tactical upper hand held by Flick in their encounters this season has only amplified the scrutiny surrounding the decorated Italian manager.

 

Ancelotti defended his team's performance, stating, "We fought hard... we will compete against Barcelona in the upcoming La Liga match... I feel sad we couldn't win the cup, but I have nothing to blame my players for." However, when pressed about his future, he remained non-committal: "I could continue, I could stop, but this will be discussed in the coming weeks, not today."

 This ambiguity comes amidst persistent reports linking potential successors to the Bernabéu hot seat, including Bayer Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso (who reportedly has a release clause for former clubs), current Real Madrid U19 coach Álvaro Arbeloa, and even the recently available Jürgen Klopp.

 

**Post-Match Controversy**

The final's conclusion was unfortunately marred by scenes of dissent from Real Madrid players directed at the referee. Antonio Rüdiger received a straight red card for allegedly throwing ice towards the official, potentially facing a ban exceeding four domestic matches. Jude Bellingham and Lucas Vázquez were also dismissed for aggressive protests, likely incurring suspensions applicable to future Copa del Rey editions.

 

**Conclusion**

Barcelona's Copa del Rey triumph serves as a significant marker in a season highlighting their resurgence under Hansi Flick and Real Madrid's potential decline from their usual high standards. While Barcelona chases a remarkable treble, Real Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti face an uncertain future, with the outcome of the remaining La Liga fixtures, particularly the upcoming Clásico, likely to be pivotal in determining 

the final narrative of their respective campaigns. The contrasting trajectories of Spain's two giants ensure the season's end will be filled with drama and consequence.

**Title: Barcelona Clinch Copa del Rey in Thrilling Clásico Comeback, Intensifying Pressure on Ancelotti After Flick Secures Third Straight Win**



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Tamer Nabil Moussa

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