There were concerns that Real Madrid would pull out of Saturday’s (April 26) Copa del Rey final against Barcelona after they cancelled an open training session and press conference on Friday (April 25) – but who would step in?
Real Madrid and Barcelona are set to clash in Seville on Saturday evening in what promises to be an exciting El Clásico final.
However, Real Madrid’s participation was briefly thrown into doubt after the club aired a video on Real TV criticizing the appointed referee, Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea. The video questioned his lack of experience in officiating major finals and pointed out errors he had made in previous matches.
The controversy took an emotional turn when De Burgos Bengoetxea held a press conference, during which he broke down in tears, revealing that his son had been bullied at school — classmates had called him a “thief’s son,” leaving the boy in tears.
Speculation then arose suggesting that Madrid might boycott the final. However, the club swiftly denied these rumors, issuing a statement:
“In light of the rumours that have emerged in recent hours, Real Madrid CF announces that our team has never considered withdrawing from tomorrow’s final.
Our club understands that the unfortunate and inappropriate statements made by the referees designated for this match, made 24 hours before the final, cannot taint a sporting event of global significance that will be watched by hundreds of millions of people, and out of respect for all the fans who are planning to travel to Seville, and those already in the Andalusian capital.”
With the situation clarified, the much-anticipated final between Spain’s two footballing giants will proceed as planned.
Real Madrid has emphasized that the true values of football must prevail, despite the hostility and animosity they feel has once again been directed toward the club by the referees selected for the final.
However, considering the tense atmosphere, some have speculated about what would happen if Madrid chose not to participate. According to the Spanish outlet Relevo, “Any team that fails to show up or withdraws would be barred from participating in the next edition of the tournament.”
In such a scenario, Barcelona would not automatically be declared champions. Instead, they would face Real Sociedad — the team Madrid defeated in the semi-finals — although this outcome now appears extremely unlikely given Madrid’s official statement reaffirming their commitment to play.
