FC Barcelona secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Real Madrid in a thrilling Copa del Rey final that lasted 120 intense minutes. This outcome immediately shifts focus to what lies ahead for both Spanish giants, particularly for Real Madrid. The defeat puts Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti`s future under increased scrutiny. Despite a successful spell previously, winning 15 trophies, Real Madrid faces the significant risk of ending the 2024-25 season without any major silverware. This potential trophyless campaign could prompt club president Florentino Perez to seek a new manager during the summer break. Let`s delve into the key takeaways from the Copa del Rey final:
Hansi Flick`s Immediate Success
On the flip side, FC Barcelona is thoroughly pleased with their decision in the summer of 2024 to appoint former Bayern Munich head coach Hansi Flick, signaling the start of a new era at the club. In his very first season, Flick has already led the Blaugrana to two trophies: the Spanish Super Cup and now the Copa del Rey, notably beating Real Madrid in both finals. Furthermore, Barcelona currently sits atop the La Liga standings with a four-point advantage over their rivals.
The two teams are scheduled to face each other again in La Liga on May 11 in Barcelona, a match that promises to be one of the most heated encounters in recent memory. Before that, Barcelona will host Inter Milan for the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinals. Potentially, Flick could make history by becoming only the second manager, after Pep Guardiola, to achieve the coveted treble (league title, domestic cup, and Champions League) with two different clubs.
Referee Controversy
The build-up to the final was marked by controversy surrounding the officials. The day before the match, Real Madrid reportedly canceled pre-match events and requested the replacement of the appointed referee, Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, and VAR official, Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes, citing concerns.
The officials themselves spoke out ahead of the final about the abuse they had received for being assigned the match, including criticism from Real Madrid`s own TV channel. The referee mentioned heartbreaking instances where children at his child`s school told him their father was a `thief`. Real Madrid later issued an official statement publicly reiterating their demand for a change in the referee before the game.
Despite the pre-match tension, the referee generally handled the final well, keeping the game under control for large periods. However, a contentious moment occurred just before the end of normal time when he initially awarded Barcelona a penalty for a foul on Raphinha by Raul Asencio. VAR intervened, leading to the decision being overturned.
Calm was short-lived. In the dramatic final minute of extra time, moments after Jules Kounde scored Barcelona`s winning goal, Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger, who had already been substituted, appeared to throw something towards the referee and was shown a red card. Post-match, Ancelotti chose not to comment on the officiating.
Is Ancelotti`s Era Ending?
The Copa del Rey final loss has significantly intensified the doubts surrounding Carlo Ancelotti`s future at Real Madrid. While the Italian manager offered little comment after the game, reports linking him to the Brazilian national team coaching role continue to circulate.
Although Real Madrid remains mathematically in contention for the La Liga title, they face a challenging four-point deficit behind rivals Barcelona. Should this season conclude without major silverware, it would mark a somewhat anticlimactic end to one of the most successful managerial periods in the club`s history. Ancelotti`s tenure has been highly decorated, including two UEFA Champions League titles and a total of 15 trophies.
Florentino Perez`s ultimate decision remains uncertain, but there is a growing sentiment that Ancelotti`s remarkable cycle at the Bernabeu, despite its past triumphs, is now drawing to a close.
