Barcelona won the Copa del Rey final after a memorable 120 minutes on Saturday, but the main talking point could be about Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger, who exploded with rage in the final stages of the match at La Cartuja.
In the final minute of stoppage time at the end of extra time, referee Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea blew for a foul on Eric Garcia by Kylian Mbappe, and that was met by extreme fury from the Real Madrid dugout. Both Lucas Vazquez and Vinicius Junior charged on the pitch, while Rudiger is reported to have thrown an object towards the official.
Unsurprisingly, he was sent off, and so was Lucas after the full time whistle for his part in the incident. And it was also confirmed by Relevo reporter Rodra that a third Real Madrid player was also shown a red card by De Burgos Bengoetxea, believed to be either Vinicius or Jude Bellingham.
It will be Rudiger’s actions that steal the headlines over the coming days, as he had to be held back from confronting the referee by Real Madrid teammates and also members of the coaching staff. He was eventually dragged away before returning to the pitch after full time, at which point he exchanged handshakes and hugs with some Barcelona players.
It remains to be seen what suspensions are handed out to the three Real Madrid players that were dismissed, and also whether these bans would carry over to La Liga. If so, there is chances for them to miss out when the final El Clasico fixture of the season takes place at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in two weeks’ time. In the coming days, the Spanish Football Federation’s Disciplinary committee will rule on the matters, but at this stage, there are fears that Rudiger in particularly could be suspended for a while.
Abin_nisham
497
We are champions. Accept it and move on
Yitacelz
284
Rudiger doesn't behave like this in EPL is just that Real Madrid board don't advice there player's rightly, they thought them, that they're above everyone, they can behave anyhow they like.
kicabdot
147
We are always their headache.
Allfootball1995
102
No referee, No Party
Kiaabdnotu
101
despite all the advantages given to Madrid, they couldn't win and so decided to erupt the game. shame to Madrid. Barca won about 2 penalties but non was given.
cimaiklntz
83
Barca really tried, is not easy to play real Madrid with referee and Var and still win
Shmonny
81
All I know is Bellingham put a wrong pass (was intercepted by Cubarsi), picked up by Pedri, who put a perfect long ball to Lamine who then gave it back to Pedri to score a great goal while Bellingham was still watching from the back 😂
kodbeikptz
64
never give up ❤️👊 hala madrid ❤️❤️❤️
budadeituy
44
stay away from these idiots Trent
Zehdnrsuyz
39
I can't blame real Madrid players, the blame should go to Spanish football federation, they are a disgrace to football. they should do better in protecting the officials. such a thing will never happen in premiership. the refree was so scared of Madrid that he let go of so many things to favor Madrid. up Barcelona
yumadikmru
26
Real Madrid big club with small mentality
AdeyemmJerryking3232
22
Real Madrid: Old Habits of Arrogance Die Hard" Barça’s 3-2 victory over Madrid on April 26, 2025, to win the Copa del Rey was glorious, but Madrid’s reaction was even more telling. After the final whistle, Antonio Rüdiger, already a poster boy for unsportsmanlike behavior this season, stormed the pitch, hurled an object at referee Ricardo De Burgos, and had to be forcibly restrained. Another red card after full time. Another episode in Madrid’s long tradition of throwing tantrums when reality doesn’t bend to their will. But if you know Madrid’s history, you wouldn’t be surprised at all. This isn’t about football; it’s about a culture born under dictatorship. During Franco’s dictatorship (1939–1975), Real Madrid was the regime’s crown jewel , a club that rose to prominence with the full machinery of state power behind them. In 1943, after Barça won the first leg of the Copa del Generalísimo semifinal 3-0, Franco's Director of State Security summoned the Barça players and made it clear what was expected. Result? An 11-1 thrashing in the second leg , a scoreline that remains one of football’s most infamous and shameful results. FC Barcelona's president, Josep Sunyol, was arrested and executed without trial by Francoist forces in 1936 for his support of Catalan autonomy. In the words of Franco's propagandist José Millán-Astray, "Long live death!" ,a motto that resonated in every brutal suppression of regional identity, including Catalonia's. Johan Cruyff, decades later, would face kidnapping threats severe enough to cause him to refuse to play for Spain at the 1978 World Cup. Cruyff said: "There are moments when certain values, family values, come before everything, even before football." (The Guardian, 2016). Real Madrid’s legacy isn’t built merely on sporting excellence; it was nurtured by fear, threats, and systematic intimidation. The regime wanted a symbol of "Spanish unity" and Madrid fit the bill. Catalan identity, Basque independence, and regional pride had to be crushed , and football was weaponized to that end. This political patronage created a culture of entitlement that Madrid players still reflect today: Rüdiger's serial unsportsmanlike behavior this season, violent tackles, scuffles off the ball, time-wasting, and now attacking referees. Vinícius Júnior’s frequent dissent and arrogance when results don't favor Madrid. Modrić and Carvajal verbally assaulting referees in El Clásico after losing. These are not isolated incidents; they are echoes of a deeper belief that defeat is unacceptable, that rules exist to serve Madrid’s glory. But thankfully, Madrid no longer plays in the shadows of dictatorship. And Joan Laporta , a man who broke Madrid’s arrogance once (2003–2010) is doing it again. He beat Pérez before and he’s beating him again now. Under Laporta’s leadership, Barça is not just winning; they are dismantling Madrid’s culture of entitlement brick by brick. Yesterday’s 3-2 wasn’t just a win. It was another nail in the coffin of Madrid’s outdated belief that they are untouchable. History has exposed them. The world is watching now. Copied
Mujeeb_ismail
21
It was a close game. Congrats to Barca. 👏👏👏
ACHUMI_NAGA
18
We are champions. Accept it and move on
[image]
this season FC Barcelona is the best... in all the formats... I wish them all the best in UCL ... please bring the cup to Spain
EmKaY04
18
Rudiger might be suspended for 4 - 12 games for his misconduct, who does he think he is? That ain't his bedroom
weuaiknrz
17
arrogant and stupid