Pedri stunner dictates 'Clasico' final at half time, Madrid lose Mendy

Real Madrid were handed a blow early into their Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, as Ferland Mendy went down with an injury nine minutes into his return after a month on the sidelines.

Mendy had been ruled out with a hamstring injury picked up in the Champions League last 16 against Atletico. But his comeback did not last long, as he went down after attempting a challenge on Jules Kounde before signalling to the Real Madrid bench to be subbed off.

Fran Garcia came on to replace his French teammate, but it did not change the trend of the game. Barcelona were dominant at La Cartuja, moving the ball with pace while Carlo Ancelotti's side spent the majority of the time caged in their own half.

The Catalans' efforts were finally rewarded in the 28th minute. Barca reacted quickly after Jude Bellingham's ball was intercepted by Pau Cubarsi, as Lamine Yamal changed forward from the right flank.

The 17-year-old star cut inside before laying the ball to Pedri, whose magic feet found the top-left corner from just outside the box with a stunning strike to give Barca the lead ahead of what promises to be an exciting second half.