Barca react strongly to Real Madrid’s scandalous behaviour in the Copa del Rey

Two days after celebrating a memorable victory against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final, FC Barcelona have officially broken their silence regarding the chaos that marred the prestigious event. For many, the match itself delivered on every expectation, but it was the off-field drama that truly shocked Spain and the wider footballing world.

On the field, the Clasico offered a breathtaking spectacle. FC Barcelona, led by the brilliance of their midfield and attacking line, initially seized control of the match. However, Real Madrid, galvanized by star performances from Kylian Mbappé and Aurélien Tchouaméni, managed to claw their way back into contention. Their comeback seemed almost inevitable, yet Barça displayed immense resilience.

In the dying minutes of regular time, Ferran Torres delivered a stunning equalizer that reignited Barcelona’s hopes. Then, in a moment that will live long in the memories of fans, Jules Koundé emerged as the unexpected hero, scoring the winning goal during extra time to seal a thrilling 3-2 victory for the Catalans.

Yet, the sporting drama on the pitch was soon overshadowed by the controversies that unfolded around it. Long before the first whistle, Real Madrid had already stirred outrage. Their official club channel, Real Madrid TV, aired a sensationalist report targeting the appointed referee, Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea, casting doubts over his impartiality.

The campaign against the referee took an emotional toll. In an unprecedented scene, De Burgos Bengoetxea was visibly moved during the pre-match press conference, reportedly shedding tears under the immense pressure directed at him. The blatant attempt to manipulate the narrative drew widespread condemnation across Spain.

Matters escalated dramatically when Real Madrid allegedly threatened to boycott the final altogether unless the referee was replaced. Although they eventually backed down, the damage to their reputation was considerable. Many interpreted their actions as a desperate bid to destabilize both the officials and their opponents.

The post-match scenes offered no respite from controversy. In a shocking display of poor sportsmanship, Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham refused to participate in the traditional guard of honour for the victors. Antonio Rüdiger, overwhelmed by frustration, lost his composure, contributing to chaotic scenes at the final whistle.

The referee had little choice but to issue three red cards after the game concluded — Rüdiger, Lucas Vázquez, and Bellingham were all dismissed for their actions. Such behaviour further tarnished the image of the Madrid club, raising serious questions about their sportsmanship and respect for the competition.

Faced with this turbulent backdrop, FC Barcelona emerged not just victorious on the scoreboard, but also morally vindicated. Speaking publicly for the first time after the win, Barça president Joan Laporta offered a calm but pointed assessment of the situation during an interview with RAC1.

“I saw all of this as yet another strategy,” Laporta explained. “But we made a conscious decision to stay away from it. Our focus was solely on football. We knew this match would be a spectacle, worthy of the greatest rivalry in the world. We made every effort to avoid being dragged into the toxic atmosphere.”

Laporta also addressed the controversial refereeing narratives directly. “Overall, I found the officiating to be correct. It’s never perfect — not for either team nor for the officials — but it was fair,” he asserted, distancing Barcelona from the toxic rhetoric that Real Madrid had fueled.

His advisor, Enric Masip, went even further in his analysis. “When you continually focus the debate on refereeing, it’s either an attempt to destabilize or a way to explain away poor performances and defeats,” Masip stated. His words cut deep, hinting at Real Madrid’s apparent unwillingness to accept their loss gracefully.

Without naming names directly, Masip also called out the hypocrisy he perceived from the Madrid side. “When you constantly speak of ‘señorío’ (nobility), you have to demonstrate it on the pitch,” he said. “We fought and won against everything and everyone.”

The remarks from Laporta and Masip highlight a broader feeling within Barcelona — a sense that Real Madrid’s antics are part of a long-standing pattern of hostility whenever the Catalans succeed. Masip was candid about this reality. “When Barça wins, it angers a lot of people,” he added.

For Real Madrid, the fallout from this final is severe. Beyond losing a coveted trophy to their fiercest rivals, they now face widespread criticism over their behaviour. Their dream of capturing a historic treble — La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Champions League — now lies in ruins.

Meanwhile, FC Barcelona, bolstered by their moral and sporting triumph, are firmly back in the spotlight. Their victory sends a powerful message, not only to their supporters but to the entire footballing world: in the face of provocation and chaos, true greatness is measured by dignity, resilience, and performance.

As the dust settles on a controversial Clasico, one thing is certain: the rivalry between these two giants of Spanish football has never been more intense. And in this latest chapter, it is Barcelona who have walked away with their heads held highest — champions on the pitch and in spirit.