During the Copa del Rey final between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, a highly contentious moment sparked fierce debate when Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde appeared to handle the ball inside his own penalty area.
The incident occurred midway through the first half, as Barcelona’s Ferran Torres delivered a dangerous cross into the box. Valverde, attempting to clear the ball under pressure, saw it strike his outstretched arm — prompting immediate and furious protests from Barcelona players and fans alike.
Despite the appeals, referee José María Sánchez Martínez waved play on, and a brief VAR check ultimately upheld the on-field decision, ruling no penalty. The decision ignited outrage across social media, with many Barcelona supporters arguing that Valverde’s arm was in an unnatural position and that the incident met the criteria for a handball offense under current regulations.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick was seen animatedly gesturing on the sideline, while several players continued to voice their frustrations even after the halftime whistle. Pundits and former referees were divided in their analysis: some argued that the close proximity and Valverde’s reaction time made it accidental, while others insisted it was a clear infringement that should have resulted in a penalty for Barcelona.
Given the high stakes of the final, the controversial non-call only added fuel to the intense rivalry between Spain’s two biggest clubs — and it’s certain to be a talking point long after the final whistle.
Despite the appeals, referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea did not award a penalty, allowing play to continue without even a detailed VAR review. The decision stunned the Barcelona players, coaching staff, and supporters, who were adamant that a spot-kick should have been given.
Even Ronald Araújo, Valverde’s Uruguayan compatriot and a key Barcelona defender who started the match on the bench, was seen fervently appealing for the penalty from the sidelines. His visible frustration underscored the belief within the Barcelona camp that they had been denied a crucial opportunity to take the lead.
The controversy only added more fire to an already electric atmosphere, with the Barcelona bench and fans making their feelings known as tensions rose both on and off the pitch.
Here’s a polished continuation tying everything together:
This incident further fuels the ongoing debates surrounding refereeing standards in Spanish football, especially in high-stakes El Clasico encounters.
Many Barcelona supporters and neutral observers took to social media to express their outrage, arguing that key decisions too often seem to favor Real Madrid in crucial moments. The Valverde handball controversy, combined with earlier flashpoints like Lucas Vázquez’s aggressive tackle on Raphinha — which went unpunished despite appearing dangerous — has only intensified feelings of injustice among the Blaugrana faithful.
As tensions simmer, questions about VAR consistency and refereeing transparency remain at the forefront, casting a shadow over what was supposed to be a showcase of Spanish football’s finest rivalry.
