In a dramatic lead-up to the highly anticipated Copa del Rey final, Real Madrid confirmed that they will go ahead with the match against Barcelona, dispelling rumors of a potential boycott. The decision came after a series of controversial comments made by referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, which sparked intense scrutiny and outrage from the Madrid camp.
The final, set to take place on April 26, 2025, faced uncertainty due to escalating tensions between Real Madrid and the officiating team. De Burgos Bengoetxea, who will officiate the match, broke down in tears during a press conference on April 25 when discussing a video aired on Real Madrid’s TV channel. This video criticized his officiating decisions against the club, highlighting a stark contrast in win percentages when he refereed matches involving both Real Madrid and Barcelona.
In a heartfelt statement, De Burgos expressed the emotional toll the criticism has taken on his family, stating, “When your child goes to school and is told their father is a thief by other kids, that’s really tough.” His comments resonated deeply, as he emphasized the importance of honor and integrity in officiating, saying, “What I do is tell my son that his father is honorable. I make mistakes, like any athlete, but I am honorable.”
In response, Real Madrid released a statement condemning the referee's remarks as “unacceptable,” asserting that they reflect a clear bias against the club. The statement read, “These protests, which have surprisingly focused attention on videos from a media outlet protected by freedom of expression, such as Real Madrid TV, demonstrate, once again, the clear and manifest animosity and hostility of these referees toward Real Madrid.”
Real Madrid’s frustration was compounded by the Spanish football association’s refusal to remove De Burgos from officiating the final. Reports indicated that the club had considered not participating in the match altogether, prompting them to cancel media duties and training sessions leading up to the event. However, they ultimately confirmed their participation late on Friday night, stating, “Our team has never considered giving up playing tomorrow’s final.”
The club’s statement emphasized their commitment to the values of football and respect for fans traveling to Seville for the match. “Real Madrid understands that the unfortunate and inappropriate statements made by the referees cannot stain a sporting event of global importance that hundreds of millions of people will see,” they added.
This incident is just the latest chapter in an ongoing feud between Real Madrid and Spanish referees. Earlier in the season, the club lodged a formal complaint against the refereeing body, prompting LaLiga president Javier Tebas to accuse them of “losing their minds.”
As the tension mounted, VAR official Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes also spoke out, warning of the potential consequences of the ongoing abuse directed at referees. “We are going to start taking real action, we are not going to continue to allow what is happening,” he stated, hinting at possible future measures to protect officials.
Barcelona’s manager, Hansi Flick, weighed in on the controversy, calling for unity and respect for referees. “It’s only a game. It is our responsibility to protect not only the players but all the people involved in the game,” he said. “It’s not nice that happened today. Of course, sometimes on the pitch there are some decisions that are about emotion, but after the match, we should be done with it.”
As the clock ticks down to the final, all eyes will be on La Cartuja Stadium in Seville. With both teams desperate for silverware, the stakes could not be higher. The Copa del Rey final is not just a match; it’s a culmination of a season filled with drama, controversy, and fierce rivalry. Fans are eagerly awaiting what promises to be an unforgettable encounter.
Despite the backdrop of tension and controversy, Real Madrid remains resolute in their commitment to the competition. The club’s leadership has made it clear that they will not allow external pressures to dictate their participation in such a significant event. As they prepare to take the field, the focus will shift back to the football itself, where legends can be made and history written.
With the world watching, the Copa del Rey final is set to showcase the best of Spanish football. Will Real Madrid rise above the noise and claim victory, or will Barcelona seize the opportunity to add another trophy to their illustrious collection? As the match approaches, anticipation builds, and the footballing world holds its breath.
