Following FC Barcelona`s dramatic 3-2 victory over Real Madrid in a fiercely contested 120-minute Copa del Rey final, attention now turns to the potential repercussions for both Spanish giants. The defeat for Real Madrid has intensified speculation regarding the future of Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti. Despite a decorated spell that has yielded 15 trophies, Ancelotti faces the prospect of finishing the 2024-25 season without a major title. This outcome could prompt club president Florentino Perez to seek a new manager in the upcoming summer transfer window. Let`s explore the key takeaways from this significant final:
Hansi Flick`s Impressive Beginning
Conversely, FC Barcelona is expressing considerable satisfaction with their decision to appoint former Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick in the summer of 2024, initiating a new era for the club. In his inaugural season, Flick has already guided the Blaugrana to two pieces of silverware, securing both the Spanish Super Cup and the Copa del Rey, notably overcoming Real Madrid in the final of each competition. Furthermore, Barcelona currently holds a four-point advantage over Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga table. The two rivals are set for another pivotal clash in Barcelona on May 11, a match anticipated to be highly charged. Before that, Barcelona will host Inter Milan for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal tie. There is potential for Flick to join Pep Guardiola as the only manager to achieve the treble twice with different clubs, a feat Guardiola accomplished with Barcelona in 2009 and Manchester City in 2023.
The Referee Controversy
Leading up to the final, a notable controversy emerged concerning the match officials. According to reports, Real Madrid cancelled pre-match events like an open training session and press conference, and formally requested the replacement of the designated referee, Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, and VAR official Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes. De Burgos Bengoetxea publicly addressed the abuse he had received in the lead-up to the game, stating that children at his son`s school had repeated insults calling their dads `thieves`, echoing sentiment seen on Real Madrid`s own TV network. Real Madrid subsequently issued an official statement reiterating their demand for the referee to be changed before the match.
During the final itself, the referee managed the game effectively for large periods, maintaining relative calm. However, a significant moment occurred just before extra time, when he initially awarded Barcelona a penalty for a foul on Raphinha by Raul Asencio, but this decision was ultimately overturned after a VAR review. Later, in the dramatic final minute, moments after Jules Kounde scored the decisive goal, Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger, who had been substituted minutes earlier, appeared to throw something towards the referee. Rudiger received a red card for this action. When questioned about the officiating after the match, Carlo Ancelotti declined to make any comments.
Is Ancelotti`s Era Ending?
The loss in the Copa del Rey final has significantly increased the uncertainty surrounding Carlo Ancelotti`s position at Real Madrid. While the Italian coach remained tight-lipped post-game, reports linking him to the managerial role for the Brazilian national team are becoming more frequent. Although Real Madrid is still competing for the La Liga title, they face a four-point deficit behind Barcelona. If this season concludes without a major trophy, it would mark a potentially disappointing end to what has otherwise been a hugely successful tenure. With two UEFA Champions League titles and 15 trophies collected in total, the feeling is growing that, despite his past achievements, Ancelotti`s cycle at the Bernabéu may be concluding, though the final decision from Florentino Perez remains pending.
