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.”
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.
AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe, left, 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/Joan Monfort)
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)
Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe reacts 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)
CLEVELAND (AP) — Miguel Amaya hit an RBI single in the eighth inning — only the second hit for Chicago — and four Cubs pitchers combined for a one-hitter in a 1-0 victory over the Cleveland Guardians on Sunday in the opener of a traditional doubleheader.
Amaya's hard shot to right-center field off Connor Brogdon (2-1) scored pinch-runner Dylan Carlson from second base.
The Guardians managed only one hit — a double that possibly could have been caught — against Cubs starter Edward Cabrera (5 2/3 innings) and relievers Caleb Thielbar (1-0), Hoby Milner and Daniel Palencia, who worked a perfect ninth for his first save.
Neither team was able to muster any offense in chilly, blustery conditions. The game-time temperature was 44 degrees Fahrenheit (6.6 degrees Celsius) with a steady wind blowing toward the plate at Progressive Field. A rainout Saturday prompted the Easter doubleheader, Chicago's first since 1973.
Cabrera handled the Guardians for five innings, holding them without a hit before CJ Kayfus led off the sixth with a double.
Kayfus lifted a ball to right that was helped by a steady breeze and fooled outfielder Michael Conforto, who took a few steps toward the infield before backtracking too late and watched helplessly as the shot hit the warning track.
Steven Kwan followed with a sacrifice, but the Cubs kept it tied 0-0 as second baseman Nico Hoerner threw Kayfus out at the plate. Cabrera then walked two straight batters to load the bases before Thielbar came on and retired Bo Naylor to pop out.
Cleveland starter Slade Cecconi nearly matched Cabrera by limiting the Cubs to just one hit over six innings.
Guardians star José Ramírez played in his 1,618th game, one shy of matching Terry Turner (1,619) for the most in Cleveland history. Ramírez is poised to become the first active major leaguer to lead his team in that category.
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB
Cleveland Guardians center fielder Steven Kwan catches a ball hit by Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong during the fourth inning of a baseball game, Sunday, April 5, 2026, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Dermer)
Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Slade Cecconi delivers against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning of a baseball game, Sunday, April 5, 2026, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Dermer)
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Edward Cabrera delivers against the Cleveland Guardians during the first inning of a baseball game, Sunday, April 5, 2026, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Dermer)
Cleveland Guardians' Brayan Rocchio is tagged out attempting to steal second base by Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson during the third inning of a baseball game, Sunday, April 5, 2026, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Dermer)
Chicago Cubs catcher Miguel Amaya tags out Cleveland Guardians CJ Kayfus at home plate during the sixth inning of a baseball game, Sunday, April 5, 2026, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Dermer)
