Following a dramatic 120-minute Copa del Rey final where FC Barcelona edged out Real Madrid with a thrilling 3-2 victory, attention immediately turns to the future trajectories of both Spanish giants. The outcome particularly intensifies scrutiny on Real Madrid`s Italian coach, Carlo Ancelotti, whose successful tenure, marked by 15 trophy wins, appears increasingly precarious. Despite his past achievements, Real Madrid faces the possibility of concluding the 2024-25 season without any major silverware, a scenario that could prompt club president Florentino Perez to seek a new coach this summer. Let`s delve into the key takeaways from this memorable Copa del Rey final.
Barcelona`s Bright Beginning Under Hansi Flick
Conversely, FC Barcelona is experiencing considerable satisfaction with their decision in the summer of 2024 to appoint former Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick. Tasked with ushering in a new era, Flick has already secured two pieces of silverware in his debut season, guiding the Blaugrana to victories in the Spanish Super Cup and now the Copa del Rey, defeating Real Madrid in both finals. Furthermore, Barcelona currently sits atop the La Liga standings with a four-point cushion over their rivals. The two teams are set to clash again in Barcelona on May 11, a match anticipated to be one of the most intense encounters in recent history. Meanwhile, Barcelona is also preparing to host Inter Milan on Wednesday for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal tie. Flick has the potential to become only the second manager, after Pep Guardiola (who achieved it with Barcelona in 2009 and Manchester City in 2022-23), to complete a treble with two different clubs.
Controversy Surrounding the Officials
The lead-up to the Copa del Rey final was overshadowed by a dispute involving the match officials. According to reports, Real Madrid canceled pre-match events like an open training session and press conference, while also requesting the replacement of referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea and VAR official Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes. The officials themselves publicly addressed the abuse they had received, including from Real Madrid`s own TV channel, with Bengoetxea recounting distressing instances where children at his son`s school called him a `thief`.
Real Madrid subsequently released an official statement reiterating their demand for a change in the refereeing appointments ahead of the fixture.
During the match, the referee largely maintained composure. A notable incident occurred in the final minute before extra time, when Bengoetxea initially awarded a penalty to Barcelona for a perceived foul by Raul Asencio on Raphinha; however, following a VAR review, the decision was overturned. Just moments after Jules Kounde scored Barcelona`s decisive late goal in the dying seconds of the final extra time period, Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger appeared to throw an object towards the referee, resulting in a red card for the German player, who had been substituted earlier by Ancelotti. Ancelotti, when questioned about the referee after the match, offered `no comments`.
Ancelotti`s Future in Doubt
The loss in the Copa del Rey final has significantly amplified speculation surrounding Carlo Ancelotti`s position at Real Madrid. Although the Italian coach remained tight-lipped post-match, reports persist regarding interest from the Brazilian Football Confederation, who are reportedly considering him for their national team managerial role. Despite Real Madrid remaining technically in the La Liga title race, the four-point deficit behind Barcelona presents a considerable challenge. Should this season conclude without a major trophy, it would potentially mark an underwhelming end to what has otherwise been an incredibly successful era for Ancelotti at the club. While Florentino Perez`s final decision remains unconfirmed, there is a growing sense that after securing two UEFA Champions League titles and a total of 15 trophies, Ancelotti`s cycle at Real Madrid may indeed be drawing to a close.
