Real Madrid Criticizes Refereeing After Copa del Rey Loss

Barcelona triumphed over Real Madrid 3-2 after extra time to win the 2024/25 Copa del Rey, with Jules Kounde scoring the decisive goal in the 116th minute. The lead-up to the final was marked by significant tension over refereeing, as Real Madrid publicly criticized the appointed officials, prompting emotional responses from referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea and VAR Pablo González Fuertes, who condemned the hostile atmosphere created by the club's media. Real Madrid boycotted pre-match events and issued statements denouncing the referees' public comments, arguing these demonstrated animosity against the club and calling for action from the Spanish football federation. Despite the off-field controversy, Barcelona secured their first Copa del Rey title since 2021, marking their 32nd Spanish title and extending coach Hansi Flick's perfect record in finals. The episode underscores growing concerns in Spanish football over the impact of club-driven criticism on officiating and the broader football community.