Barcelona secured a dramatic 3-2 victory in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday, with Jules Koundé scoring the winning goal just five minutes from time. However, the match was overshadowed by Real Madrid’s controversial pre-game behavior, particularly their attempts to influence the officiating, which included requesting a change of referee the day before the final.
In the lead-up to the match, tensions over officiating reached new heights, with Real Madrid publicly expressing their concerns about Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea and VAR official Pablo González Fuertes. Despite cancelling their scheduled press conference and training session on Friday, rumors circulated that Real Madrid might pull out of the final, although they later distanced themselves from the idea.
From Barcelona’s perspective, many viewed Real Madrid’s actions as an attempt to put undue pressure on the match officials. One Barcelona player who did not hold back in criticizing the situation was Inigo Martínez. The Basque defender spoke to Marca after the game, saying:
“They were very unfair. We all make mistakes. We can be better or worse… But for things to escalate to that level, it didn’t live up to the name of the great club that is Real Madrid. That’s my opinion.”
Martínez also took the opportunity to praise referee De Burgos Bengoetxea for his professionalism, despite the external criticism.
“I congratulated de Burgos Bengoetxea for the job he did, and I hope the rest of the players do the same. They should put themselves in his place because it’s not easy to be there, with everyone pointing at you and blaming you,” Martínez added. “Today, football won, and that is the important thing.”
The Barcelona defender continued to defend the officials, acknowledging that despite several appeals from Barcelona fans for a penalty on Ferran Torres and potential red cards for Luka Modrić and Aurélien Tchouaméni, the referees had performed admirably.
“I have to congratulate Richi and his colleagues. They were at a great level. It was very unfair to take things that far, and from our part, we want to back them up. Everyone makes mistakes in life, and it’s hard. No one likes to be in that situation,” Martínez said. “He knew it would be difficult, with all the noise surrounding it. I’m happy for him; he’s a great guy and his professionalism never fails.”
The Copa del Rey final sparked stronger reactions across Spanish football. While Barcelona largely avoided discussing the refereeing controversy, manager Hansi Flick stated that it was the duty of everyone in football to protect referees. La Liga president Javier Tebas criticized Real Madrid for what he termed an abuse of power, and Atlético Madrid voiced concerns that Los Blancos were harassing officials.
In the end, despite the off-field drama, Barcelona’s 3-2 victory over Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final ensured that the match would be remembered for its thrilling conclusion rather than the controversy surrounding it.
