The 2025 Copa del Rey final certainly lived up to the pre-match hype in every way and, thanks to Barcelona sticking to their core principles come what may, they triumphed over the eternal rival in the Spanish cup final for the first time since 1990.

Pre-match, Real Madrid had shown once again that their principles and values were very tenuous indeed, seeking as they were to put more pressure on the match officials and referees of their games in general.

Cancelled their pre-match activities and calling for a change in official is disgusting as it is childish, and was reminiscent of Los Blancos’ petulant boycotting of the Ballon d’Or ceremony.

Only in such pressurised times are the true faces revealed, and Real have hardly covered themselves in glory in this regard.

Indeed, the ultimate mind game from Florentino Perez et al almost succeeded too after a stonewall penalty on Raphinha to win the game at the death was eventually overturned by VAR.

Ultimately, and deservedly, Barca prevailed thanks to three wonderful goals and the ability to control the game for large parts, the second half of normal time notwithstanding.

At half-time the Catalans will surely have been ruing their missed chances after going in at the break having had nine shots to Real’s one, but only leading by the solitary goal. And what a goal!

Pedri again gave it his all, and the sublime strike was a just reward for this most magnificent of seasons for the midfielder.

To Real’s credit, they were a different beast with Kylian Mbappe up front and on another night they might well have been the team carrying the trophy aloft in front of hordes of their supporters.

Barca weren’t to be denied, however,

Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez were again peerless in the centre of defence, the midfield worked until they dropped and Barca’s attack were always dangerous if not always on target.

Ferran Torres handed the initiative back to Barca with a coolly-taken finish before Jules Kounde unleashed a once-in-a-lifetime rocket to earn Hansi Flick another trophy after a Spanish Super Cup earlier this season.

Once again at the cusp of full time, Real disgraced themselves with their antics, and there surely must be serious repercussions after the referee was targeted by objects thrown from the Real bench.

You learn more about yourself when things aren’t going so well, and the attitude of Real Madrid before, during and after the final speaks volumes.

Barca… they did their talking on the pitch.