Copa del Rey Final Preparations Skipped by Real Madrid: No Participation in Build-up Events

Who's Fighting Tonight? Real Madrid vs Barcelona in Spanish Copa del Rey Final

Here's the lowdown on the much-anticipated showdown between Real Madrid and their archrivals, Barcelona, in the Spanish Copa del Rey. Prepare for a mouthwatering clash at La Cartuja stadium in Seville, Spain, this Saturday at 10pm local time (20:00 GMT).

📺 Tune into Al Jazeera Sport's live commentary stream to catch all the action.

Real Madrid's Boycott Stirs Controversy

Hysteria has ensued before the battle, with Real Madrid deciding to boycott pre-match activities after the head referee, Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, gave an emotional news conference. Real Madrid claimed the critiques made by Bengoetxea, echoed by the VAR referee, were biased due to pressure from the club's television channel.

The Spanish champions skipped the news conference, the open training in front of the media, the pre-match dinner, and the photo-call. Madrid saw the news conference as a "clear conflict of interest," though they have not officially requested a replacement for the officials from the Spanish FA (RFEF)[1].

Bengoetxea's Emotional Response

During the news conference, Bengoetxea shared his distress, comparing it to a situation where a child is falsely accused by their peers. He emphasized the challenges faced by officials and underscored the importance of protecting them from relentless criticism[2].

Barcelona Speaks Out

Barcelona manager, Hansi Flick, voiced his support for referee protection as a response to the mounting pressure on officials. "For me, it's only a sport. It's only a game. It's only football...We have to protect not only the players but all the people involved in the game," Flick said[3].

A Quadruple Chance for Barcelona

Barcelona is hoping for a potential quadruple win this season, with the Copa del Rey their next target. The Catalans previously clinched the Spanish Super Cup against Real Madrid and have dominated the two Clasicos this season by scores of 4-0 and 5-2[3].

Nevertheless, Flick believes the team is not necessarily the favorite. "We want to start the match tomorrow, and we want to fight for this title," Flick said[3].

ℹ️ Sources:

RFEF Does Not Respond to Allegations of Bias from Real Madrid
Real Madrid and the Refs: A Strained Relationship
Barcelona Prepare for the Copa del Rey Final as Real Madrid Boycott Pre-Match Activities

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💬 Barcelona Captain's Praise for Talented Youngsters Barcelona's captain, Ronald Araujo, has expressed admiration for their young stars, highlighting their bravery and ability to remain calm[4]. "These kids from La Masia [FC Barcelona's youth academy], it's surprised me a lot. Not just Cubarsi, Lamine, Fermin [Lopez], also [Hector] Fort, everyone...they're incredible," Araujo stated[4].

ℹ️ Sources:

RFEF Does Not Respond to Allegations of Bias from Real Madrid
Real Madrid and the Refs: A Strained Relationship
Barcelona Prepare for the Copa del Rey Final as Real Madrid Boycott Pre-Match Activities
Barcelona's Young Stars Shine Bright in Copa del Rey Final Preparations

Breaking news in sports: The much-anticipated Real Madrid vs Barcelona match in the Spanish Copa del Rey final is set to highlight sports-analysis with Al Jazeera Sport providing live commentary.
The controversy surrounding the game escalated when Real Madrid boycotted pre-match activities due to perceptions of bias from the head referee, Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea.
Barcelona's manager, Hansi Flick, has advocated for referee protection amidst mounting pressure on officials, echoing the sentiments of Barcelona's archrivals.
Barcelona is boasting a potential quadruple win this season, aiming to add the Copa del Rey title to their already accomplished Spanish Super Cup and dominant Clasico performances against Real Madrid.
The young talents leading Real Madrid, such as Lamine Yamal, continue to be a highlight despite the team's disappointing season, elimination from the Champions League and four-point deficit behind Barcelona in LaLiga.
Even though Real Madrid's young stars are capturing attention, Barcelona's captain, Ronald Araujo, has expressed admiration for the young players from their own ranks like Gavi, Pedri, and the talent from the FC Barcelona youth academy.