Real Madrid defender Antonio Ruediger has apologised for his behaviour in the 3-2 extra-time loss to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday when he was shown a straight red after he erupted in fury and threw an object at the referee.

The incident occurred when the official called a foul for a challenge by forward Kylian Mbappe on defender Eric Garcia, denying Real a final chance to find an equaliser moments after Barcelona's Jules Kounde scored the winner in the 116th minute.

Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea's decision sparked an outburst of rage among the Real Madrid players, especially Ruediger who was on the bench after being substituted earlier.

The German saw a straight red for his reaction and had to be restrained by his teammates and coaching staff to prevent him from bursting into the pitch and throwing bags of ice at the official.

"There's definitely no excuse for my behaviour last night. I'm very sorry for that," Ruediger said on his social media accounts on Sunday.

"We played a very good game from the 2nd half on. After 111 minutes I was not able to help my team anymore and before the final whistle I did a mistake. Sorry again to the referee and to everyone I have disappointed last night."

His teammates Lucas Vazquez and Jude Bellingham, after the final whistle, were also shown red cards for unsportsmanlike conduct, although the centre back is the one most at risk of facing a severe sanction for his actions.

Ruediger could be suspended for a range of four to 12 matches according to the Spanish FA regulations and, being considered a serious sanction, he would have to serve the ban in all domestic competitions, including LaLiga.

Real Madrid, last year's Spanish and European champions, have the league remaining as their only chance for silverware this season. They are four points behind leaders Barcelona in the standings with five fixtures remaining.

Real Madrid pride themselves on their 'señorio' – gentlemanliness, honourable approach, or class – none of which was evident during a frightening weekend for Spanish football.

Los Blancos were outplayed in a gripping Clasico Copa del Rey final by rivals Barcelona, who triumphed 3-2 in Seville to lift the cup – beating Madrid for the third time in three encounters this season.

Madrid's actions before the match and in its denouement, with Antonio Rudiger, Jude Bellingham and Lucas Vazquez sent off in a blizzard of red cards, ripped at the fabric of the game.

Rudiger and Bellingham needed to be restrained as they confronted the official, with the former "throwing an object" at the referee, he wrote in his report, which could lead to a lengthy ban.

For many months Real Madrid have attacked Spanish referees via their official television channel, and after taking umbrage with a decision in February, they published a letter of complaint labelling officiating in the country "rigged" and "completely discredited".

The situation simmered on in the background for weeks, before an emotional news conference from the Copa del Rey final officials brought it back to the boil on Friday.

Referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea broke down in tears as he explained the impact Madrid's attacks have had on his family life and that of other referees.

VAR referee Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes suggested officials will have to take "much more serious measures" and said in the coming days referees would "make history", hinting at a possible strike.

Real Madrid flew off the handle – they pulled out of all scheduled preview events on Friday, including the press conferences, a presidents' dinner and a photo-call.

It brought to mind their blanket snub of the Ballon d'Or last October after discovering Vinicius Junior would not win.

Spanish media reported they were considering pulling out of the final if the referees were not changed, which Madrid later denied, despite saying the officials showed "manifest hostility" towards the club.

It gave De Burgos Bengoetxea and his colleagues an extremely tricky job to manage the final at La Cartuja.

 RED MIST 

For the most part he managed to avoid enraging Real Madrid, even as Barcelona players grew frustrated at his leniency.

Before the match reached extra-time, Ferran Torres was kicked in the box by Rudiger, but Barcelona were not awarded a penalty.

In the sixth minute of stoppage time, De Burgos Bengoetxea did point to the spot when Raphinha fell under pressure from Raul Ascenio.

As tension billowed, the referee was called to review the incident on VAR and, seeing how easily the Brazilian fell, revoked the penalty.

Real Madrid had little to complain about, although they still did – Bellingham venting in the tunnel about 50-50 decisions all going Barcelona's way.

After Jules Kounde drilled home in the 116th minute, Madrid knew the jig was up and they unravelled.

After Mbappe was penalised, the already-substituted Rudiger threw something at the referee, which missed, and was sent off.

It took several players and staff to restrain the raging German defender, as a bag of ice burst in his hands – just as well, as it might have been his next projectile.

Also replaced, Vazquez was dismissed afterwards for coming onto the pitch to protest, and Bellingham was sent off after the final whistle.

Even Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted he had no idea about that happening, with his team out of control, hopped up on ideas the club has propagated for months.

This season Madrid have caused more of a stir off the pitch than on it, with a 5-1 Champions League quarterfinal defeat by Arsenal and two losses against Barca in the Spanish Super Cup and now Copa del Rey finals leaving them empty-handed.

LaLiga is still on the line and they face Barcelona again on May 11, trailing them by four points, but have not been able to stop them yet.

"They can't handle us this year, we've proven it," said Barca's delighted teenage winger Lamine Yamal, wearing two pairs of sunglasses, the ice-cool antithesis of Madrid's fiery rage.

With potential bans to follow and Rudiger's extraordinary outburst more fuel on the fire, the dust will not settle for long.

Barcelona's Copa del Rey final hero Jules Kounde hailed his match-winning goal as the best of his career and said he was proud of his team after beating rivals Real Madrid on Saturday.

French defender Kounde struck in extra-time to settle a wild Clasico in Barcelona's favour, with the Catalans triumphing 3-2 in Seville.

"I just went to run in every direction (after scoring), to join the fans and my team-mates, this is what we live for, this is why we love football, it brings these sort of emotions," Kounde told Barca One.

Campions!🏆 La Copa és nostra, Culers! 🔵🔴 pic.twitter.com/ybiFisqdsN

— Marc ter Stegen (@mterstegen1) April 27, 2025

The defender drilled beyond Thibaut Courtois in the 116th minute to avoid a penalty shoot-out and earn Barca a record-extending 32nd Copa del Rey trophy.

"It's a really special evening with my goal," he continued.

"I saw (Luka Modric) was going to play that pass, I anticipated it, I saw players to my right but thought I would shoot and it went well."

Kounde said Barca battling back from 2-1 down to triumph was proof of their grit.

125 anys d’història… i seguim sumant! Visca el Barça 💙❤️
CAMPIONS DE COPA 🏆 pic.twitter.com/1NxtsC58cz

— Dani Olmo (@daniolmo7) April 27, 2025

"I feel very happy, proud of the team, we showed character yet again, we showed the team that we are," he continued.

"That even in adversity we can still fight, you can see that the whole team is really committed... everyone fights."

Barcelona are hoping to win a potential quadruple this season, having won the Spanish Super Cup in January, with LaLiga and the Champions League still on the line.

"Right now we've done important things, we've recovered the joy for Barcelona fans, I don't think that can be questioned," said president Joan Laporta.

"It's a day to be immensely proud... I'm really happy, really proud of the team we've got, the club we've got."

Barcelona defender Jules Kounde struck deep in extra-time to decide a gripping Copa del Rey Clasico final on Saturday in Seville, earning his side a 3-2 win over rivals Real Madrid.

The Catalans, aiming for a quadruple this season, won the first major trophy of Hansi Flick's reign as coach and a record-extending 32nd Spanish cup in dramatic fashion.

Pedri sent Barcelona ahead at La Cartuja but two Real Madrid goals in seven second-half minutes, from Kylian Mbappe and Aurelien Tchouameni, pulled the Spanish and European champions level.

However, Ferran Torres struck in the 84th minute to take the game to extra-time and Kounde drilled home to win it for the LaLiga leaders.

THE COPA IS OURS! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/WLcjstoG6y

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 26, 2025

Substituted Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger was sent off in the final seconds for appearing to throw an object onto the pitch towards the referee.

Madrid, who started with top scorer Mbappe on the bench after an ankle injury, suffered an early setback when left-back Ferland Mendy, playing his first game for six weeks, suffered a thigh injury.

Carlo Ancelotti sent on Fran Garcia in his place, with the job of shackling Barcelona's dazzling teenage winger Lamine Yamal.

The 17-year-old Spain star, who dyed his hair blond for the game, burst past him with ease as Barca threatened Thibaut Courtois' goal increasingly.

The Catalans, who won the first two Clasicos this season in LaLiga and the Spanish Super Cup, scoring nine goals in the process, controlled the ball.

They took the lead after 28 minutes, Pedri placing the ball into the top corner with precision and power from the edge of the box.

It was a sensational goal, starting with a smart Pau Cubarsi interception in his own half.

Pedri spread the play out to Yamal on the right, who cut inside and held the ball up until the Canary Islander reached the box and had a sight of goal.

Madrid had been focussed on defending but Barcelona's opener brought them out of their shell – and also brought Mbappe off the bench to warm up.

Jude Bellingham started and finished a superb move but was offside, and Vinicius Junior would have won a penalty as Inigo Martinez hacked him down but had also strayed off in the build-up.

Barcelona could have doubled their lead, with Dani Olmo's corner evading several players and bouncing off the far post, with Cubarsi unable to get there as Dani Ceballos held him back.

Referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea was lenient with some heated Madrid tackles, perhaps cowed by Friday's drama as the Spanish champions seethed at his pre-match comments denouncing attacks on officials by the club's television channel.

Madrid sent Mbappe on for Rodrygo Goes at halftime and soon they began to work Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny with Vinicius and Mbappe coming close.

END TO END

Mbappe pulled Madrid level almost on his own in the 70th minute.

The striker surged forward and was brought down on the edge of the box by Frenkie de Jong. Mbappe took the free-kick himself and fired a low effort in off the post.

Seven minutes later Madrid took the lead, Tchouameni finding space to head home Arda Guler's corner past the helpless Szczesny.

Barcelona responded when Yamal played a delicious pass over the top for Torres, which drew both Rudiger and Courtois, but the Spaniard got there first and rolled home.

Controversy unsurprisingly reared its head before the match headed to extra-time.

Barcelona clamoured for a penalty when Rudiger appeared to bring down Torres, and then were awarded one deep in stoppage time as Raphinha tumbled under pressure from Raul Asencio.

However the referee, called to review the incident by VAR, overturned his decision and booked the Brazilian for diving.

In extra-time Barcelona were ascendent and probed for a potential winner.

They eventually found it when Kounde intercepted an uncharacteristically loose Luka Modric pass and beat Courtois with a powerful low effort from outside the box, sparking wild celebrations.

KOUNDE CLINCHED THE COPA! pic.twitter.com/f408KCJPh9

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 26, 2025

Rudiger's dismissal and Madrid's pre-match histrionics regarding the refereeing team will ensure the repercussions run on – and the teams meet again in LaLiga in May which could decide the title race.

Real Madrid boycotted pre-match activities ahead of their Copa del Rey final against rivals Barcelona after the match referee gave an emotional press conference in which he called out Real for criticising the official on their in-house tv channel.

A club source told Reuters that the decision was taken due to Real's "unprecedented astonishment" at the press conference given by referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea earlier on Friday, who broke down in tears while responding to a critical video published by RMTV.

The source said Real saw the press conference as "a clear conflict of interest" and, while they have not asked the Spanish FA (RFEF) to replace the officials, they believe the refereeing team should be changed.

The RFEF did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Preparations for the final were thrown into chaos when match referee De Burgos gave a press conference in which he cried as he responded to the RMTV video.

The video, released on Thursday, shows what RMTV says is a series of errors made by De Burgos throughout his career.

 

🚨 BREAKING: Real Madrid is considering NOT playing in Copa del Rey Final tomorrow unless the referee and VAR is changed.

They are considering going HOME. 😲

(Via @elmundoes) pic.twitter.com/pQ8nUjhBHp

— Pubity Sport (@pubitysport) April 25, 2025

 

The release is the latest in a string of edits by RMTV, criticising Spanish officials.

De Burgos expressed his distress during the press conference, stating: "When a child arrives at school and his mates tell him that his father is a thief, it makes you sick."

He went on to emphasise his integrity and the challenges faced by many officials, in professional football and at grassroots level.

"What I do is try to educate my son to tell him that his father is an honest man, that he makes mistakes like any other sportsman. It's very hard, I don't recommend it to anyone...

"It is not right what we are going through for many colleagues, not only in professional football, but also in grassroots football. Let everyone reflect on where we want to go, on what we want from sport and from football."

Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes, the VAR official for Saturday's final who was sat next to De Burgos, said referees would soon take action due to the continuous pressure they face.

"We are going to start taking real action, we are not going to continue to allow what is happening," he said.

"In a few days you all will see. We are going to make history and we are not going to continue to put up with what we are putting up with. A strike? You will have news from us soon."

 

🚨 OFFICIAL: Real Madrid statement.

“Real Madrid CF considers the public statements made today by the referees designated for the Copa del Rey Final, scheduled to be held tomorrow, April 26, 2025, to be unacceptable.

These protests, which have surprisingly focused attention on… pic.twitter.com/oeBUc4dLjm

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 25, 2025

 

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick said on Friday that action should be taken to protect referees due to the pressure they face.

"For me, it's only a sport. It's only a game. It's only football... It is our responsibility to protect not only the players but all the people involved in the game," Flick told a press conference.

"It's not nice that happened today. Of course, sometimes on the pitch that are some decisions that are about emotion but after the match, we should be done with it. Something must be done."

In February, the Spanish soccer federation (RFEF) highlighted referees' concerns over abuse, citing the case of official Jose Munuera Montero, who faced a backlash after issuing a red card to Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham.

A few weeks earlier, Real had also lodged a letter of complaint against the Spanish referees following their 1-0 defeat by Espanyol.

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick called on his young side to 'enjoy' fighting rivals Real Madrid in Saturday's Copa del Rey final in Seville.

The Catalans are hoping to land a potential quadruple this season, with the Copa their next target after winning the Spanish Super Cup in January against Real Madrid.

In the two Clasicos this season Barca triumphed 4-0 in LaLiga last October and then 5-2 in the final in Saudi Arabia, but Flick said his team are not necessarily favourites.

"We have to enjoy it, we have a really young team – this is a great experience, playing this final, against one of the best teams in the world," Flick told a news conference Friday.

"A final is different, it's not about favourites.

"We want to start the match tomorrow and we want to fight for this title."

Los Blancos have struggled this season, knocked out of the Champions League by Arsenal in the quarterfinals, and are four points behind Barca at the top of LaLiga.

Flick's exciting side are led by dynamic winger Lamine Yamal, only 17, and boast several young players including Pau Cubarsi, Gavi and Pedri.

"I'm surprised by how incredible their mentality is," said Barcelona captain Ronald Araujo.

"It's as if we are not playing a final tomorrow, they are so calm... these kids from La Masia, it's surprised me a lot.

"Not just Cubarsi, Lamine, Fermin (Lopez), also (Hector) Fort, everyone... they're incredible. The guys from La Masia are amazing, they have no fear."

Real Madrid's European failure this season stung, in particular for striker Kylian Mbappe and coach Carlo Ancelotti, but a Copa del Rey final victory over Barcelona on Saturday would rapidly ease the pain.

Los Blancos crashed out of the Champions League 5-1 on aggregate against Arsenal earlier in April, while their arch-rivals Barca progressed to the semifinals for the first time since 2019.

The Catalans are dreaming of a potential quadruple and Madrid may take as much satisfaction in ending that possibility as in lifting the cup themselves.

Barcelona's thrilling attacking football has also powered them to first place in LaLiga, four points ahead of defending champions Madrid, with five matches remaining.

After two humbling defeats in the prior Clasicos this season, 4-0 at home in LaLiga and 5-2 in Saudi Arabia in the Spanish Super Cup final, Madrid need to hit the right notes in Seville.

If Ancelotti can find the formula to throw off Barcelona's rhythm, it would prove doubly useful as the teams meet again on May 11 in a huge clash in the title race.

Despite netting 33 goals this season across all competitions, Madrid's top scorer, to some Mbappe has become the face of a disappointing, and potentially disastrous, season.

When he appeared on big screens at the Santiago Bernabeu last weekend some fans whistled him – although at Madrid, the occasional barracking is a rite of passage for the biggest stars. Even their all-time top goalscorer Cristiano Ronaldo suffered similar.

Last year Madrid won a LaLiga and Champions League double, before reinforcing by signing the French striker, a player they had craved for years.

However Ancelotti has struggled all season to accommodate Mbappe without upsetting the balance of his team.

The problem is exacerbated when the coach lines up with all four of his attacking stars – Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo Goes.

'HARD TO FIND BALANCE'

Ancelotti may look to try something different in the Copa del Rey final, after Barcelona hit a total of nine goals in their two meetings so far this season.

The Italian is widely expected to be sacked at the end of the season, even though he has one more year on his deal, but ending his time at Madrid with one, or possibly two more trophies would be a fitting conclusion to a largely successful second spell.

Mbappe's recent ankle injury may offer the coach a reason to start the match without the French forward and keep him as a dynamic option for the second half.

However Mbappe struck both of Madrid's goals in the January defeat in Saudi Arabia and, despite the recent whistles, has been the team's best player in 2025 – not deploying him from the off may be too risky.

Ancelotti said Tuesday he expected the striker to be fit for the game and he trained on Thursday.

"We've changed our style of play a bit, we have players with different characteristics, and it's been hard for us to find a balance," said Ancelotti this week.

"If we find that balance, we can win."

Rodrygo is the most likely player who could be benched if Ancelotti wants to add an extra midfielder to try and gain more control.

Since midfield maestro Toni Kroos retired last summer Madrid have struggled to dominate in matches, while long-term injuries to Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao and others have hurt at the back.

With his future in the air and a title on the line, Ancelotti may be tempted to divert from his "fantastic four", in search of redemption for Madrid's season.

It might be the only short-term solution, with Madrid's squad planning the underlying issue.

"We put in a lot of crosses but this year we don't have a Joselu, a born centre-forward up there," complained goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois after the Arsenal defeat.

That Madrid have some of the most vaunted forwards in the game but miss the former Stoke and current Al-Gharafa target man sums up the situation.

The squad issues must be tackled this summer, along with Ancelotti's future, but right now, a win against Barcelona in whichever way possible can provide instant relief.

Barcelona, in scintillating form, face a stumbling Real Madrid in Saturday's Copa del Rey final that offers the Catalan side a chance to inflict a third humiliation on their rivals, who are seeking redemption as they bid to avoid a trophyless campaign.

Barca have already recorded two emphatic victories over Real this season, winning 4-0 at Santiago Bernabeu in LaLiga in October and 5-2 in the Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia in January.

They will be looking to inflict another hammer blow on a wobbly Real who will have to up their game in the next two weeks if they are to avoid a season without silverware.

Last-year's Spanish and European champions have been left licking their wounds after a humbling loss to Arsenal saw them exit the Champions League in the quarter-finals.

The head to head in the Copa del Rey final

🧵👇 See the thread: pic.twitter.com/RBC6zxqHs5

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 24, 2025

They are also battling against the odds to retain their LaLiga crown, with Barcelona in the driver's seat at the top of the standings, leading by four points over Real with five matches to play.

Carlo Ancelotti's side have seen a seven-point cushion at the top of the standings in mid-January vanish after a series of lacklustre performances, leaving them with little margin for error at a critical moment of the season.

They will face a Barcelona side on Saturday which has been nothing less than phenomenal in 2025.

Treble chasing Barcelona are undefeated in domestic competition since late December, playing some of the best football in Europe this season.

Ferran and Endrick, joint top scorers in the Copa del Rey. pic.twitter.com/LnlK07BdJL

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 24, 2025

They enjoyed a superb 24-game unbeaten run across all competitions and were the last undefeated team in Europe in 2025 until last week, when they lost 3-1 at Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.

They progressed to the semifinals after thrashing the German side 4-0 in the first-leg.

REAL STRUGGLES

Barca top LaLiga on 76 points, four ahead of Real, and after Saturday's Clasico in Seville, they will face last-placed Valladolid before hosting Real in a LaLiga clash that could decide the league title on May 11.

Following their near-flawless campaign last season to win the LaLiga-Champions League double with only two losses across all competitions, the second loss to Arsenal was already Real's 12th defeat this term.

They have been struggling for consistency all season and slumped to losses away to Liverpool, at home to AC Milan and twice against Barca and Arsenal.

Watching an imperious Barcelona side edge closer to the treble makes Real's pain more excruciating, especially as many fans and pundits were expecting the opposite when the season started.

While Barca have been struggling with financial problems for the last few years, Real have set the bar sky high with six Champions League titles in a decade and expectations were huge following the signing of France captain Kylian Mbappe.

However, as Real and their new 'Galactico' struggled to find their rhythm, Barcelona have sprung into life under the guidance of former Bayern Munich and Germany manager Hansi Flick, playing a highly entertaining, attacking style of football.

Flick, however, will be without a key piece of his attacking armoury with striker Robert Lewandowski missing Saturday's final with a leg muscle injury, which has also made him a doubt for their Champions League semi against Inter Milan next week.

In Lewandowski's absence, Barca will rely on 17-year-old Lamine Yamal and Brazilian Raphinha who, boosted by midfield maestro Pedri, have been a big part of Barca's attacking juggernaut which has scored 152 goals in 52 games this season.

Ancelotti will also be missing key players such as Eduardo Camavinga and David Alaba, but should have forward Mbappe back from an ankle injury sustained against Arsenal.

Rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona, locked in a title battle in LaLiga and set to face off in the Copa del Rey final, have "a lot of respect" for each other, says Los Blancos coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Madrid trail leaders Barcelona by three points in the Spanish top flight with nine matches remaining and reached the Copa del Rey final in midweek with a dramatic 5-4 aggregate victory over Real Sociedad.

They will face Barca in the final on 26 April after the Catalans edged past Atletico Madrid.

"Barcelona is playing well, they're in good form," Ancelotti told reporters on Friday ahead of his team's game against Valencia at the weekend.

"When you play a final, you have to respect all your opponents.

"I think there's a lot of respect for Barcelona because of their quality, and I think Barcelona also has a lot of respect for Real Madrid."

Real will also face Barca at the Olympic Stadium in a crucial league match in May, while both clubs are through to the Champions League quarterfinals.

Ancelotti's men needed extra-time against Sociedad to secure a thrilling 4-4 semifinal, second-leg draw on Tuesday.

The reigning LaLiga champions on Saturday host a Valencia side who have put together a four-match unbeaten run to pull clear of the relegation zone.

"We have some doubts, obviously, due to the effort in extra-time," added Ancelotti.

"We are aware that Valencia are doing very well. This is an important moment of the season."

Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois remains sidelined with a muscle injury while second-choice Andriy Lunin is also a doubt to face Valencia.

Ancelotti said he was confident Courtois will be fit to face Arsenal in the Champions League quarterfinal first leg on Tuesday, but admitted 19-year-old third-choice Fran Gonzalez may make his senior debut this weekend.

"There is no concern, Courtois is much better and we think he can make it for Tuesday," said the 65-year-old Italian coach.

"We have a doubt for tomorrow's game with Lunin, who has a minor injury, and if he's not fit I have total confidence in Fran."

When asked if he would leave the club should they win the treble of LaLiga, Copa del Rey and Champions League titles, Ancelotti insisted: "I won't be the one asking to leave this club."

Ancelotti's tax fraud trial ended earlier this week, with Spanish public prosecutors seeking he be jailed for four years and nine months for allegedly hiding income from the tax office.

Teenage striker Endrick received high praise from Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, who described him as spectacular after a stellar performance in Real Madrid's 1-0 win at Real Sociedad in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal on Wednesday.

Ancelotti said he was in awe of Endrick's remarkable skill after the 18-year-old Brazilian scored the winner and fired a brilliant strike off the post.

"He is spectacular," Ancelotti told a press conference.

"He has these amazing characteristics he has shown whenever he has a chance. His accuracy is off the charts, he's quick and he still has a lot to improve with the ball.

"But, wow, his dribbling, his runs... the shot he has... he could even score a second goal easily with that great strike off the post... He is just spectacular. Very young, but a very fast learner."

 

Scoring in the Copa del Rey 🤝 @Endrick pic.twitter.com/G3KyhOhvRG

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) February 26, 2025

 

Ancelotti said he was happy with how his much-changed team played and acknowledged that Real were in their best form since the beginning of the season, with his side still in contention for a first Copa del Rey, LaLiga and Champions League treble.

"We are living a good moment. Today we rotated, but we remained solid, we were compact and played a very good game defensively. With solidarity. We did really well, despite the rotations," Ancelotti said.

"We should be satisfied. It was an intense match, against an opponent who gave their all and we took a good result for the return leg."

 

Endrick is loving playing in the Copa del Rey this season 😮‍💨💫🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/qpF6q8dZhx

— OneFootball (@OneFootball) February 26, 2025

 

Real Madrid left Kylian Mbappe out of their squad to face Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey semifinal first leg on Wednesday owing to a dental problem.

The French superstar did not train with his teammates on Tuesday ahead of the game but coach Carlo Ancelotti said the striker would travel to San Sebastian.

Mbappe is Madrid's leading goalscorer with 28 goals in 39 matches across all competitions this season.

Midfielder Fede Valverde and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois were also left out of the travelling group to recover from minor fitness issues.

England international Jude Bellingham returned to the squad after missing Sunday's LaLiga win against Girona through suspension.

On Tuesday Barcelona and Atletico Madrid played out a thrilling 4-4 draw in the first leg of the other semifinal.

 

📋✅ Our squad for the match!
🆚 @RealSociedadEN pic.twitter.com/RtwXNc55Nf

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) February 26, 2025

 

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone was delighted with his team's fighting spirit as they clawed back from two goals down to get a last-gasp 4-4 draw at Barcelona in an action-packed first leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal on Tuesday.

Simeone celebrated on the sidelines when forward Alexander Sorloth scored the equalising goal in a counterattack in the third minute of added time to rescue his side.

"What stands out most for me is this team's spirit. There is an incredible gladiatorial spirit by the players that is inspiring," the Argentinian told a press conference.

"Barcelona have extraordinary tools, but we have our own and we showed out there what we are made of.

"The celebration of the fourth goal was just an explosion of joy. The 4-2 scoreline seemed difficult to turn around and the courage of the players was incredible, to equalise and leave the tie level for the return leg on April 2.

"The team showed great character and worked a very strong match, always playing with the same mentality and with an enormous spirit of competition."

Simeone said he was disappointed his defence conceded two goals from corners, mistakes that he said are unacceptable.

"It's impossible for a team like Barcelona to finish a match without scoring a goal but what bothers me is when they score two goals from set pieces. It's a matter of individual and collective efforts that we need to correct," Simeone said.

"However, the game was not an easy one to play, but the boys showed a competitive spirit that I am passionate about."

Atletico Madrid conceded a two-goal lead then fought back from two down in a wild 4-4 draw with Barcelona in a Copa del Rey semifinal first leg thriller on Tuesday.

After Diego Simeone's side scored twice in the opening six minutes through Julian Alvarez and Antoine Griezmann, Barca raced through the gears in a high-octane performance.

The superb Pedri Gonzalez pulled one back with Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez and Robert Lewandowski going on to score for the Catalan giants.

Marcos Llorente netted for Atletico before Alexander Sorloth struck in the 93rd minute to leave the tie perfectly poised ahead of the second leg at the Metropolitano stadium on 2 April.

❤️ Like. If. You. Believe. pic.twitter.com/pHgKfWbZxl

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) February 25, 2025

"It's a terrible result when you go 4-2 up... you have to be more careful, these are things we have to learn," Pedri told Movistar.

"Today we started badly but I'll focus on how the team reacted.

"When we got in front we have to be calmer... it will be a difficult (second leg) but we will go there to try and win."

Hansi Flick left Barca's top goalscorer Lewandowski out of the starting line-up, with Ferran Torres taking his place in a false nine role.

Simeone picked a strong side despite his side's extremely tricky fixture list, with this the first of three matches against Barca and a Champions League last 16 tie against Real Madrid on the horizon.

Atletico took the lead inside the first minute, with Alvarez pouncing at the back post after Griezmann's cross was flicked on.

Atletico doubled their lead in the sixth minute when Jules Kounde gave the ball away and Alvarez produced a stunning pass to release Griezmann.

The French forward was being pressured by Alejandro Balde but cleverly worked room for a shot, which Wojciech Szczesny got a hand to but could not keep out.

After Atletico's opening salvo, Barcelona dominated the rest of the first half.

Ferran Torres should have levelled for Barcelona after Raphinha sent him through on goal but his shot was week and Atletico goalkeeper Juan Musso saved easily.

The LaLiga leaders hit two goals in two minutes to pull back level, with Kounde setting up Pedri for the first before Cubarsi nodded home from a corner.

Torres spurned another golden chance for Barca's third, rounding Musso but misfiring under pressure from Clement Lenglet, on loan from the Catalans at Atletico.

'90 MINUTES TO GO' 

Szczesny saved well from Griezmann at the start of the second half, with Barca still largely in control.

Sorloth had a goal disallowed for offside as the visitors sought an equaliser, but instead it was Barca who moved further ahead.

Teenage winger Lamine Yamal created it with a brilliant dribble, blazing past Reinildo Mandava and squaring for substitute Lewandowski to tap home.

Barcelona's performance merited their lead but Llorente's 84th minute strike from the edge of the box opened the door for Sorloth to net late on.

The Norwegian forward grabbed Atletico a last-gasp victory at Barca's Olympic stadium in December in LaLiga and he was in the right place at the right time once more to finish from Samuel Lino's cut-back.

"It was crazy, a lot of goals, we knew it wouldn't be easy against one of the best teams in Europe, they've proved that," Alvarez told Movistar.

"We did our work too though and there's 90 minutes to go... we have to continue on this path."

Still 90 minutes to go. 💪 pic.twitter.com/xVlJkCCCMw

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 25, 2025

On Wednesday Real Madrid visit Real Sociedad in the other semifinal first leg.

Ferran Torres hit a hat-trick as Barcelona routed Valencia 5-0 on Thursday to cruise into the Copa del Rey semifinals.

Fermin Lopez and Lamine Yamal were also on target for the record 31-time Spanish Cup winners as they swaggered to victory at an upset Mestalla stadium.

Earlier Real Sociedad progressed with a comfortable 2-0 win over 10-man Osasuna, joining Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in a strong final four.

Former Valencia forward Torres took the plaudits with his treble inside 30 minutes, taking full advantage of Barca coach Hansi Flick's decision to rest striker Robert Lewandowski.

The Spaniard netted in the third minute, running onto a fine Alejandro Balde through ball and finishing clinically against his former side.

Torres netted the second after 17 minutes when teenage winger Yamal's shot bounced off the post back into his path.

Lopez put Barcelona three up midway through the first half with a well-timed run expertly found by Pedri Gonzalez, rounding goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski and tucking home.

Torres completed his hat-trick after half-an-hour with an accurate low finish after Raphinha teed him up on the edge of the box.

The former Manchester City winger's bright display offered food for thought, with Barcelona scoring at least five goals in the last four games where veteran Polish striker Lewandowski has not started.

Some Valencia fans started leaving the Mestalla stadium in anger, a constant theme around the club with owner Peter Lim criticised by supporters with chants and banners.

This was Valencia's second thrashing at Barca's hands in the space of two weeks, after the Catalans triumphed 7-1 at home in LaLiga.

Valencia had a rare moment of cheer at the start of the second half when Umar Sadiq found the net but the goal was ruled out for offside.

The gangly Nigerian striker then won a penalty but that too was scrapped after he was shown to be offside again in the build-up.

At the other end Yamal struck the post again but this time the ball flew out and to safety for Valencia.

The 17-year-old Spain star got his goal eventually with a low effort which took a small deflection and beat Dimitrievski, who could still have kept it out.

In San Sebastian Ander Barrenetxea and Brais Mendez struck for hosts Real Sociedad before Osasuna had Alejandro Catena sent off for a wild challenge after 35 minutes.

Osasuna beat the same opposition 2-1 in LaLiga on Sunday but Catena's dismissal effectively ended any hope of mounting a comeback.

La Real reached the Copa semifinals for the third time in six seasons, last winning in the 2020 edition.

 

AC Milan coach Sergio Conceicao said new signings Joao Felix, Santiago Gimenez and Kyle Walker are already allowing him to implement his preferred style of football.

January transfer deadline day signings Felix and Gimenez came off the bench and combined for Milan's third goal in Wednesday's 3-1 Coppa Italia win over AS Roma, while defender Walker started the quarterfinal tie.

Asked after the game if he saw in Milan a resemblance to the Porto side with whom he won three championships, four Portuguese Cups, a League Cup, and three Super Cups, Conceicao told broadcaster Mediaset: "I don't see the similarities with Porto yet.

"But we are working to be more compact, more aggressive, not allow the opponents to get into our final third so often.

"We're not there yet, but with the players who arrived in the transfer window, their characteristics give me the comfort to go towards the football I like, including with two strikers and the right balance not just to score goals, but also not concede them."

 

🔴⚫️🇵🇹 João Félix scores on his AC Milan debut… assist by Santi Giménez. pic.twitter.com/zab5I3JyLh

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 5, 2025

 

Conceicao, who took charge of Milan in December, said he was pleased at how quickly his players had learned the workings of his gameplan.

"We are trying to pass on to the team what we want, but we had just one training session to prepare for this game and I do not have the luxury of working on the game's details in training because we play every three days," the Portuguese manager said.

"Nonetheless, the players accept what we want, they are intelligent and I am happy today, especially as the second goal came from recovering the ball quickly in midfield. That was something we worked on, so I am pleased.

"Joao and Santiago also only had one training session, but understood immediately, confirming their intelligence."

Milan, eighth in the Serie A standings, travel to 16th-placed Empoli on Saturday.

 

First goals don't come much better than that 😮‍💨#MilanRoma #CoppaItalia #SempreMilan
Brought to you by @SN4IFUN pic.twitter.com/bwU5N9k22Z

— AC Milan (@acmilan) February 6, 2025

 

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti praised his side's young players for stepping up and making the difference as they earned a last-gasp 3-2 victory over Leganes in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals with a largely second-string team on Wednesday.

Ancelotti rested several key starters ahead of Saturday's LaLiga derby against Atletico Madrid and next-week's Champions League playoff clash at Manchester City.

After Juan Cruz scored twice for Leganes to cancel out early goals by Luka Modric and Endrick, 20-year-old academy striker Gonzalo Garcia came off the bench to head the stoppage-time winner that sent Real through to the semis.

"We have to be very satisfied with what the young players have done tonight and we have to count on them," Ancelotti told a press conference.

"The youth academy adds up, those who work down below do well and the players arrive prepared. Sure, they lack experience, but that's basically all they need.

"When I put a team together, I do it to try to win the game, not to give minutes to the youth academy. But this year they have had the opportunity due to injuries and other factors and they are doing really well."

 

📹 HIGHLIGHTS & GOALS📹
🆚 @CDLeganes_En 2-3 @RealMadridEn pic.twitter.com/0nETMaeDZz

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) February 5, 2025

 

In addition to 18-year-old Endrick and 19-year-old Arda Guller who started up-front, Ancelotti gave 20-year-old Jacobo Ramon his first senior start alongside fellow academy player Raul Asencio, who is a year older.

But it was substitute Garcia who grabbed the headlines by scoring the winner a few minutes after coming off the bench, his first goal with the senior squad.

"It was a competitive game. At the back we struggled a bit, Jacobo (Ramon) felt the weight of playing his first game with us a bit, he was a little nervous but then he was more clinical as the game progressed," Ancelotti said.

"Gonzalo (Garcia) is on a very good run with Castilla (Real Madrid's reserve team). Endrick has scored and we have a good feeling working for the team.

"We avoided extra time that would have cost more to recover. We've left players out to be ready on Saturday, so we'll be ready (for Atletico)."

 

Gonzalo García wins it at the death to send Real Madrid to the Copa del Rey semifinals 😱

Perfect time for the 20-year-old to grab his first goal for Los Blancos pic.twitter.com/rNIdwVAtHA

— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 5, 2025

 

Young Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Garcia headed home a 93rd minute winner to put his side into the Copa del Rey semifinals with a 3-2 victory at Leganes on Wednesday.

Juan Cruz's brace for the hosts pulled back early strikes by Luka Modric and Endrick for the European champions at Leganes' Butarque stadium.

With extra-time beckoning 20-year-old forward Gonzalo headed home at the near post after fine work by Brahim Diaz to help Madrid snatch a derby victory and keep their legs fresh ahead of big upcoming games against Atletico Madrid and Manchester City.

Madrid were without Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham after minor knocks, and started with youngsters Jacobo Ramon and Raul Asencio at the heart of their back-line because of their defensive injury crisis.

Madrid started well and were soon ahead, with Modric slotting home in the 18th minute after good work by in-form winger Rodrygo.

Teenage striker Endrick doubled Los Blancos' lead with a poacher's finish after the ball broke loose to him in the box.

It seemed to be plain sailing for Carlo Ancelotti's side until Jacobo conceded a penalty for handling Cruz's shot.

The Leganes playmaker dispatched the spot kick low to Andriy Lunin's left, with the Ukrainian goalkeeper inches away from reaching it.

Ancelotti sent on Vinicius Junior for Rodrygo for the second half, and the winger missed two good chances straight away.

Leganes goalkeeper Juan Soriano saved well to deny the Brazilian, who also headed over from close range.

Madrid paid the price for their profligacy when Cruz netted his second, with the aid of a deflection off Ferland Mendy.

With stoppage time almost over, Diaz produced a fine dribble to break free on the right, before crossing to the near post to create his side's late winner.

Gonzalo was on hand to head home with one of the final touches of the game and book Madrid's ticket to the semifinal.

Atletico thrashed Getafe 5-0 on Tuesday to progress, while record 31-time winners Barcelona visit Valencia on Thursday, and Real Sociedad host Osasuna.

Giuliano Simeone struck twice as Atletico Madrid thrashed Getafe 5-0 on Tuesday to power into the Copa del Rey semifinals.

The son of Atletico coach Diego Simeone has become vital for the Rojilblancos in recent months and his brace got his side off to the perfect start in a one-sided last eight clash.

Samuel Lino, Angel Correa and Alexander Sorloth were also on the scoresheet as the hosts ran out convincing winners.

Atletico, who last won the Spanish cup in 2013, came flying out of the blocks at their Metropolitano stadium.

Simeone nodded them ahead after just eight minutes, with Getafe goalkeeper Jiri Letacek wavering on his initial decision to come out for Javi Galan's cross and getting caught in no man's land.

Rodrigo De Paul teed up the 22-year-old forward for his second goal in the 17th minute, as Getafe's defence was cracked open too easily.

Julian Alvarez should have tucked home the third but fired wide after Antoine Griezmann fed him unselfishly.

Lino grabbed it before halftime, producing a clever turn to leave defender Juan Iglesias sliding in the wrong direction before finishing clinically.

Simeone tapped home early in the second half for what would have been his hat-trick, but the goal was disallowed for offside against Galan in the build-up.

Getafe steadied the ship for a while, giving up fewer chances to an Atletico side seemingly content with their advantage.

Atletico substitute Correa eventually drilled home the fourth from outside the area with a low effort after 78 minutes.

The fifth followed with another substitute Sorloth firing past Letacek after Correa laid the ball off to him.

On Wednesday Real Madrid cross town to face Leganes, with Real Sociedad hosting Osasuna and record 31-time winners Barcelona at Valencia on Thursday in the other quarterfinals.

Real Madrid will be without forward Kylian Mbappe and midfielder Jude Bellingham for Wednesday's Copa del Rey quarterfinal at Leganes, manager Carlo Ancelotti said on the eve of the match.

The duo join midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, defenders David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger as well as other long-term defensive absentees Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal on the sidelines.

France captain Mbappe, 26, has scored 21 goals in 33 appearances across all competitions since moving to the Santiago Bernabeu from French champions Paris St Germain on a free transfer in June, while 21-year-old England international Bellingham has netted 10 times in 30 matches.

"Bellingham had a bruise from a knock and will not be available. Vinicius Jr. has been given an extra day to recover, but will be available for tomorrow," Ancelotti told reporters on Tuesday.

"Mbappe trained today. He has a bruise on his calf. He trained normally today, but he won't be available for the game tomorrow."

📋✅ Our squad for the match!
🆚 @CDLeganes_en pic.twitter.com/XZKNY8Szb0

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) February 4, 2025

Madrid, who top the LaLiga standings with 49 points from 22 matches, one point ahead of second-placed Atletico Madrid, are set for a tough set of fixtures in coming days as Ancelotti tries to navigate through the defensive injury crisis.

Their visit to Leganes will be followed by a league derby against Atletico at home on Saturday and a trip to Manchester City in the Champions League knockout phase playoffs on 11 February.

"What I have to think about is how to deal with the emergency we have. We had it last year. We have to manage it well. We managed it well last year. The young players will be able to show their quality. We are going to rely on (20-year-old defender) Jacobo (Ramon)," Ancelotti said.

While Madrid did not sign any new players in the January transfer window, which closed on Monday, their Champions League rivals City have splashed over £180 million on new arrivals including Spanish midfielder Nico and Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush.

"I have to think about the game against City with these players they have signed," Ancelotti said.

"They are always competitive. But we have other things to think about at the moment."

Record 31-time Copa del Rey winners Barcelona will face Valencia in the quarterfinals, after they were paired in Monday's draw.

Spanish and European champions Real Madrid travel to neighbours Leganes, while Atletico Madrid host Getafe in another capital derby clash.

Barcelona thumped Real Betis 5-1 in the last 16 to progress to the last eight, and face Los Che in a repeat of the 2019 final which Valencia won 2-1.

Real Sociedad welcome Osasuna in the other match, with the quarterfinals to be played between February 4-6.

Full draw:

Valencia v Barcelona, Leganes v Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid v Getafe, Real Sociedad v Osasuna

 

Valencia CF will be our opponent in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/NGbpilW9z3

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 20, 2025