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.

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.

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.”

Mbappé scores a goal but can't lead Madrid to the Copa title against Barcelona | iNFOnews.ca — Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe celebrates after scoring his side’s opening goal during the Spanish Copa del Rey final soccer match between Barcelona and Real Madrid at Estadio de La Cartuja stadium in Seville, Spain, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Jose Breton)

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.