As the Spanish football world braced itself for an explosive Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and Barcelona, a storm of controversy almost stole the headlines before a ball was even kicked. Tensions were sky-high, rumours were swirling, but Madrid have moved quickly to squash any talk of a Copa del Rey final boycott — and have issued a statement making their position crystal clear.
Pre-Match Drama: Referees in Tears, VAR Official Warns of “Consequences”
It’s been a build-up like no other. Just days before the biggest domestic clash of the season, Real Madrid’s official TV channel published a heavily critical video focusing on match referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea. The clip, dissecting past decisions and painting a damning picture of bias, left the man in the middle emotional — so much so that he broke down in tears during a press conference.
Adding fuel to the fire, VAR official Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes spoke shortly after, delivering a fiery warning to Madrid.
“There is no doubt that we are going to begin to take measures, more serious than those currently being taken,” Fuertes said, setting alarm bells ringing across Spanish football. “We are not going to continue to allow what is happening; in a few days, you will hear about what is to come. This is going to make history; we are not going to continue to put up with what we are putting up with.”
The message was clear: the referees were angry — and they were promising action.
Real Madrid Respond: Public Training Cancelled, Media Duties Boycotted
In a move that suggested the club were anything but happy with how events were unfolding, Real Madrid retaliated almost immediately. First, they called off their public training session — a major tradition in the lead-up to finals — and then refused to attend the obligatory pre-match press conference.
Even a scheduled official photoshoot was skipped by the squad, raising eyebrows across Spain and beyond. It wasn’t long before whispers of a full-blown boycott of the final began to spread, igniting panic among fans and broadcasters alike.
Would Real Madrid really walk away from a final against their greatest rivals?
Real Madrid Release Statement: “We Have Never Considered Withdrawing”
Late on Friday night, Real Madrid finally ended the speculation.
“In light of the rumours that have emerged in recent hours, Real Madrid CF announces that our team has never considered withdrawing from today’s final,” the statement read.
Madrid’s official communication made it clear: despite the tension, despite the frustration with the officiating appointments, they would be taking the field against Barcelona as planned.
The club also stressed their commitment to the values of the game — and to their fans.
“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,” the statement continued.
“Out of respect for all the fans who are planning to travel to Seville, and all those who are already in the Andalusian capital, Real Madrid believes that the values of football must prevail, despite the hostility and animosity that have been manifested once again today against our club by the referees appointed for the final.”
It was a message both of defiance and responsibility — a nod to their own outrage, but a firm commitment to their wider duty to the sport.
What Now for Madrid and Spanish Football?
While Madrid’s statement has doused the flames of a potential boycott, the tension surrounding refereeing standards in Spain shows no signs of cooling off. In fact, it may just be reaching a boiling point.
There’s a sense now that Madrid, and perhaps other clubs, could push harder for structural reform in Spanish officiating — a system that has been under scrutiny for several seasons. VAR decisions, perceived inconsistencies, and accusations of favouritism have created a climate of mistrust that cannot be swept under the carpet much longer.
And as if all this drama wasn’t enough, Saturday’s final could also mark the end of an era at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Carlo Ancelotti’s Final Match in Charge?
Behind the headlines about referees and boycotts lies another simmering story: Carlo Ancelotti’s future.
Reports in Spain suggest that whatever the result of the Copa del Rey final, Ancelotti may be relieved of his duties shortly after. Although beloved by the Madrid faithful for his cool head and major trophy wins — including the Champions League — there’s a growing belief inside the club that a new direction is needed.
Whether it’s an emotional farewell after lifting another trophy, or a bitter goodbye following defeat to their eternal rivals, Ancelotti’s time may be ticking down.
A Final for the Ages — On and Off the Pitch
All of these subplots — referee fury, Madrid defiance, Ancelotti’s future — mean that Saturday’s Copa del Rey final is about far more than silverware. It’s about pride. It’s about the very credibility of Spanish football. And, for Madrid, it’s about showing that no amount of perceived injustice can derail their focus.
In classic Real Madrid style, they will fight. They will not back down. And now, the eyes of the football world are fixed firmly on Seville.
One way or another, history will be made.
