Real Madrid and the Referee: A Deepening Controversy Before the El Clásico Final
As the 2025 Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and Barcelona approaches, the atmosphere around the match is tense, not just because of the historic rivalry between the two clubs, but also due to a growing controversy involving the appointed referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea. This situation has brought to light a deeper conflict between Real Madrid and Spanish football officials, one that is not only affecting the game but also sparking serious debate across the country.
At the center of this storm is Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, the referee chosen to officiate the final match. His appointment did not sit well with Real Madrid. The club, through its official channel Real Madrid TV, has voiced strong concerns about his past performances in matches involving their team. According to them, De Burgos has made decisions in the past that they believe were unfair and often hurt the club’s chances during important games. These claims have been repeated often by the club’s media, and in the days leading up to the final, they intensified.
Real Madrid TV broadcasted a detailed segment that pointed out statistics showing what they believe to be a clear bias. They highlighted that under De Burgos Bengoetxea, Barcelona had an eighty-one percent win rate, while Real Madrid had only sixty-four percent. They also questioned his experience and reviewed several past matches in which his decisions were controversial. These included missed penalties, questionable red cards, and disallowed goals that they believe cost them important victories. In one case, they even used fan footage to argue that an offside call made by De Burgos was incorrect. For the club and its supporters, this kind of pattern was seen as too damaging to ignore.
The tension is not new. In the past, after a 1-1 draw against Sevilla in 2023, Real Madrid TV had accused the referee of being part of a sociological scandal, claiming his decisions were constantly unfavorable. They also attacked his performance in an earlier El Clásico, saying he and the VAR official had a mission to deny Real Madrid a win. These repeated criticisms added pressure to an already difficult situation.
Things reached a boiling point just before the final when De Burgos Bengoetxea held a press conference to address the controversy. During the event, he became emotional and even shed tears as he described how the media attacks were affecting his personal life. He said the situation had gone too far, and it was now hurting his family, especially his son. He made it clear that he and other referees take their jobs seriously and try to be fair, but they are human and can make mistakes. What he could not accept was being called corrupt or accused of having bad intentions. He also warned that if such treatment continues, referees might consider going on strike because the pressure and emotional damage are becoming unbearable.
Instead of calming the situation, his emotional response led to more drama. Real Madrid canceled all their pre-match media duties, including their training session and official press conference. They released a statement saying that the referee’s comments were unacceptable and that they painted the club in a bad light. Even though some news reports suggested that Real Madrid might not show up for the final at all, the club denied these rumors and said they never considered boycotting the match. However, their refusal to take part in the usual pre-match activities was a strong signal of protest.
The Spanish Football Federation stood by its decision and said they would not replace the referee. They explained that it was too late to make changes and that De Burgos Bengoetxea was qualified and experienced enough for the job. Still, the federation is now in a tough spot. They have to manage not only a high-pressure final between two bitter rivals but also growing distrust between a major club and the people in charge of enforcing the rules of the game.
In the middle of this storm, La Liga president Javier Tebas also entered the conversation. He launched a direct criticism against Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, calling him out for what he described as an unhealthy desire for control and influence. In a strongly worded statement, Tebas said that this situation was no longer about football but about power. He accused Pérez of being upset with everyone who does not follow his wishes from the head of UEFA to TV commentators to referees. According to Tebas, Florentino does not want to improve the game but rather create his own version of football, one where everything happens on his terms. Tebas did not hold back. He said that Florentino does not protest, he pushes. He does not complain, he threatens. He does not disagree, he punishes. And the most serious thing, according to Tebas, is that many people within football allow this kind of behavior, support it, or stay silent.
This dramatic statement added more fuel to an already raging fire. It exposed a broader power struggle behind the scenes of Spanish football, where club influence, media pressure, and league politics are clashing in a way that could affect the future of the game.
This whole controversy shows that the relationship between Real Madrid and Spanish football authorities is becoming more and more difficult. It is no longer just about what happens on the pitch. It is also about trust, respect, and how clubs use their media power to influence opinions and shape narratives. Whether Real Madrid’s complaints are fair or not, one thing is clear. The pressure on referees is higher than ever, and the Copa del Rey final will be played under a cloud of suspicion and emotion.
In the end, football should be about the players and the fans. But as this situation shows, sometimes the game becomes a battlefield for deeper issues. As millions tune in to watch the final, many will also be watching to see how the referee handles the game and whether the tension off the pitch affects what happens on it.
