Following FC Barcelona`s dramatic 3-2 victory over Real Madrid in an intense 120-minute Copa del Rey final, attention now turns to the implications for both clubs. At Real Madrid, uncertainty surrounds coach Carlo Ancelotti`s future. Despite a highly successful tenure marked by 15 trophies, the risk of ending the 2024-25 season without silverware could prompt President Florentino Perez to seek a replacement this summer. Here are the key takeaways from the final.
Hansi Flick`s Strong Start Continues
Meanwhile, FC Barcelona is delighted with their appointment of former Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick in the summer of 2024. In his debut season, Flick has already secured two trophies, guiding the Blaugrana to victory in the Spanish Super Cup and the Copa del Rey, defeating Real Madrid in both finals. Barcelona currently holds a four-point lead over Real in La Liga. The two rivals will face each other again on May 11 in Barcelona in what promises to be a highly anticipated match. Additionally, Barcelona will host Inter Milan on Wednesday for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal. There is potential for Flick to become the second manager, after Pep Guardiola, to achieve a treble with two different clubs. Guardiola accomplished this with FC Barcelona in 2009 and Manchester City in the 2022-23 season.
Referee Controversy
Leading up to the final, controversy arose regarding the match officials. According to reports, Real Madrid canceled their pre-match open training session, press conference, and team dinner, and formally requested a change to the assigned referee, Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, and VAR official, Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes. The referee publicly addressed the abuse he had received concerning the match, including from Real Madrid`s own television channel, recounting that children had told his child their father was a `thief`.
Real Madrid had also issued an official statement reiterating their request for a change in officials before the match. During the final itself, the referee was generally perceived as maintaining calm and control for most of the game. However, just before extra time, he initially awarded a penalty to FC Barcelona for a foul on Raphinha by Raul Asencio, but this decision was overturned after VAR review. Although calm appeared to be restored, in the final moments of the match, immediately after Jules Kounde scored the decisive goal, Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger was shown a red card for an action perceived as throwing something towards the referee. Ancelotti had substituted Rudiger a few minutes prior to this incident. When asked about the referee after the final, Ancelotti offered `no comments`.
Is Ancelotti`s Era Ending?
The Copa del Rey final defeat has significantly intensified speculation regarding Carlo Ancelotti`s future at Real Madrid. Reports are increasingly linking him with the managerial position for the Brazilian national team. While Real Madrid remains contenders in La Liga, they trail their rivals (Barcelona) by four points. Should this season conclude without adding another trophy, it would potentially mark an underwhelming finish to an otherwise remarkably successful period that included two UEFA Champions League titles and 15 trophies overall. Although Florentino Perez`s ultimate decision remains unknown, there is a strong and growing sentiment that Ancelotti`s era at the club, after achieving so much, is approaching its conclusion.
Benedict Kingsley