Real Madrid has thus far gone the farthest by boycotting several pre-Copa del Rey events. Tempers flaring as they await their much anticipated final against FC Barcelona. The boycott includes the news conference, open training sessions in front of the media, the traditional presidents’ dinner, and the pre-match photo-call. In a shocking outcome, Real Madrid just suffered a 1-0 loss at the hands of Espanyol. After the game, they lodged a formal complaint with the Spanish referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea.
In their complaint, Real Madrid expressed strong discontent over De Burgos’ comments regarding alleged pressure from the club’s television channel, labeling them as “unacceptable.” The complaints illustrate growing anger among the rank and file members of the club. They believe that officiating calls have hurt their ability to perform at a high level this season.
Copa del Rey Final: A Clash of Giants
The Copa del Rey final will see Real Madrid face off against FC Barcelona at La Cartuja stadium in Seville, Spain, on Saturday at 10 PM local time (20:00 GMT). This game is of huge importance. It represents the start of perhaps football’s most storied rivalry and provides Barca with a fantastic chance to continue their quest to realize what would be an unprecedented quadruple this term. Barcelona lifted the Spanish Super Cup in January after beating archrivals Real Madrid. Now, they’re hungry to make it the Copa del Rey to their trophy cabinet.
FC Barcelona manager Hansi Flick acknowledged the pressure surrounding the match but emphasized the team’s commitment to enjoying the experience. He stated, “We have to enjoy it, we have a really young team – this is a great experience, playing this final, against one of the best teams in the world.”
Flick was very much a coach of the match. He not only proposed removing the unfairly-durdened spotlight referees find themselves under, he called for action to protect the men in black. “It’s only a sport. It’s only a game. It’s only football … It is our responsibility to protect not only the players but all the people involved in the game,” he remarked.
Young Talent and Past Performances
Barcelona’s lineup continues to sparkle with a golden generation of young talents. Among them, including the brilliant 17-year-old winger Lamine Yamal, were Pau Cubarsi, Gavi and Pedri. Their youthful exuberance has contributed significantly to their recent successes, including two decisive victories over Real Madrid this season: a 4-0 triumph in La Liga last October and a 5-2 win in the Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia.
Ronald Araujo, one of the starting players for Barcelona during the final said the mentality of his teammates going into the final was top-notch. What surprises me the most is how fantastic their mindset is. It’s like we’re not playing a final tomorrow – they are so relaxed,” he said. Araujo acknowledged the benefits of playing with such a youthful roster, one which provides both energy and exuberance – regardless of experience – to the field.
Although Barcelona have enjoyed a lot of success lately, Flick is still reluctant to call his team the favorites. “We are not necessarily favorites,” he stated. His tactical approach is a smart move from him and both sides will be looking towards what should be an electrifying battle.
Real Madrid’s Ongoing Struggles
It’s been a tough season over at Real Madrid. Their year was capped with an unexpected early exit from the Champions League, losing in the quarterfinals to Arsenal. You now sit four points behind FC Barcelona atop La Liga. This gap is particularly concerning as you head into a Copa final.
The club’s frustrations came to a head with De Burgos’ comments regarding perceived animosity towards Real Madrid by referees. They remarked, “These statements … made in a premeditated manner 24 hours earlier against one of the participants in the final, demonstrate, once again, a clear and manifest animosity and hostility of these referees towards Real Madrid.”
