In a heart-stopping Copa del Rey final on Saturday, Barcelona clinched a record-extending 32nd Spanish Cup with a dramatic 3-2 win against arch-rivals Real Madrid, sealed by a breathtaking goal from Jules Kounde in the 116th minute. The French defender’s long-range strike, a precise low drive into the bottom corner, sparked wild celebrations and etched his name into the annals of this storied rivalry.

Barcelona dominated the first half, with Pedri igniting the Camp Nou crowd in the 28th minute. The young midfielder unleashed a sublime curling shot from outside the box, finding the top corner with pinpoint accuracy.

Despite their early control, Barcelona faced a resurgent Real Madrid after the break. Kylian Mbappe, sidelined from the starting lineup due to a lingering ankle injury, came off the bench to shift the momentum. The French star equalized in the 70th minute, bending a free kick past Barcelona’s defense with clinical precision.

Real Madrid seized the lead seven minutes later when Aurelien Tchouameni rose above the fray to power a towering header from a corner. Barcelona, undeterred, fought back with a lightning-fast counterattack in the 84th minute, as Ferran Torres slotted home to level the score, forcing extra time.

The tension was palpable as both sides traded blows, with a penalty shootout looming. But Kounde’s moment of brilliance in the dying moments of extra time—a 25-yard rocket—decided the contest, handing Barcelona the coveted title.

The victory underscores Barcelona’s resurgence in Spanish football, with their blend of youthful exuberance and tactical discipline shining through. The Copa del Rey final, watched by millions globally, highlighted the enduring intensity of El Clásico, with both teams showcasing world-class talent.

Recent trends show growing global interest in Spanish football, driven by high-stakes matches like this, which blend tradition with modern flair. Kounde’s heroics not only secured bragging rights but also cemented Barcelona’s legacy as Spain’s most decorated club in the competition.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni minced no words after the team faced its seventh loss in nine games during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Following a crucial 5-wicket defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Dhoni openly criticized the team’s batting unit for failing to deliver under pressure.

Despite making notable changes, including bringing in Dewald Brevis and Deepak Hooda while dropping Rachin Ravindra, CSK’s batting woes continued. The team suffered an early setback with Shaik Rasheed getting dismissed on the first ball of the match, setting a disappointing tone for the innings.

“We kept losing wickets, and in the first innings the wicket was slightly better and 155 is not a justifiable score,” Dhoni said, reflecting on CSK’s inability to post a competitive total. He acknowledged that while the pitch became slightly two-paced later, it was nothing extraordinary to excuse the low score.

Debutant Dewald Brevis provided a glimmer of hope, scoring a brisk 42 off 25 balls. However, apart from him, CSK’s middle order failed to gain momentum. Highlighting Brevis’ effort, Dhoni said, “He batted really well and we need something like that in the middle order where we have struggled when spinners come in.”

Dhoni further pointed out CSK’s consistent struggles against spin bowling in the middle overs, an area he believes is costing them crucial runs.

While CSK’s spinners staged a commendable fightback to stretch the match, the lack of runs eventually cost them the game. Dhoni stressed that if a majority of players underperform, it becomes impossible to maintain consistency in team selections, forcing frequent changes.

“In a tournament like this, if majority are not doing well, it becomes very difficult,” he noted. The captain emphasized the importance of adapting to conditions and setting competitive targets, noting that while it may not always require 180-200 runs, assessing the pitch and conditions correctly is critical.

As CSK now faces the threat of early elimination, the team’s top order will need urgent rectification to keep their hopes alive in the tournament.

In a dazzling display of skill and charisma, Rohit Sharma powered Mumbai Indians to a commanding victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad on Thursday, April 24, 2025, in the IPL 2025. The star batter’s explosive 70 off 46 balls steered his team to chase the target in just 15.4 overs, securing their fourth consecutive win. This triumph not only boosted Mumbai Indians’ net run rate but also catapulted them to third place on the points table, solidifying their playoff prospects.

The celebration that followed was nothing short of electric. Mumbai Indians shared a vibrant Instagram video capturing Rohit grooving to the rhythmic beats of dhols and nagadas alongside Bollywood icon Jackie Shroff, fondly known for his love for plants. Captioned “Jaggu Dada is all of us when RO starts hitting them out of the park!” the clip showed Rohit posing with his bat while Jackie danced around him, clutching a flowerpot. Fans in the background joined the revelry, adding to the festive mood.

Rohit soon jumped into the dance, twirling his bat to the music before playfully borrowing Jackie’s flowerpot to sway with the crowd. The infectious energy of the duo lit up social media, with netizens showering love on the unexpected collaboration. “Mumbai cha Raja Ro-Hitman Sharma!” gushed one user, while another declared, “Jaggu Dada representing every MI fan!” Heart emojis flooded the comments, with fans calling Rohit “Rohit Swagger Sharma” and praising his “Hitman ke dance” moves.

The video’s charm had fans hooked, with one quipping, “Aise videos ke liye hi internet recharge karta hoon!” Another dubbed Jackie “Rohit paglu,” comparing his enthusiasm to that of a die-hard fan. Jackie’s signature plant obsession didn’t go unnoticed either, with comments like “Personal oxygen bhi hai” and “Jhaad lagane ka bidhu,” accompanied by tree emojis, celebrating his eco-friendly persona.

From a shaky start with just one win in their first five matches, Mumbai Indians have roared back with four straight victories, thanks to Rohit’s leadership and flair.

As the team eyes a playoff berth, this heartwarming moment of Rohit and Jackie dancing together has given fans yet another reason to cheer.