Tonight, King Felipe VI will preside over one of the most highly anticipated and controversial Copa del Rey finals in recent history, as FC Barcelona faces Real Madrid at the Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville. The excitement surrounding this colossal showdown has been further intensified by an unusual wave of tension involving the referees and the Real Madrid squad just days before the match.

After more than a decade, Real Madrid and FC Barcelona are set to clash once again in a Copa del Rey final, igniting the passions of football fans worldwide. However, the buildup to this historic encounter took a dramatic turn on Friday when referees publicly expressed their discontent following the broadcast of controversial footage on Real Madrid TV, highlighting alleged officiating mistakes. The referees’ outrage sparked discussions about potential disciplinary measures against the club, adding another layer of intensity to an already charged atmosphere.

Royal Presence: King Felipe VI to Attend

Pablo González Fuertes, a seasoned Primera División referee assigned to oversee the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) operations during the final, delivered a striking warning during a pre-match press conference. “We are going to start implementing measures; we will no longer tolerate what has been happening. You are going to witness history in the making. Are we considering a strike? You will soon hear news about this,” he declared, sending shockwaves throughout the footballing community.

Don’t miss

• Who is better, Real Madrid or Barcelona?
• Copa del Rey 2025 Final: El Clasico Clash Barcelona VS Real Madrid
• How to Watch the 2025 Copa del Rey Final: Real Madrid vs Barcelona
• Barcelona vs Real Madrid – Copa del Rey Final 2025 Match Preview & Date
• Copa del Rey Final 2025: Where to Watch Barcelona V Real Madrid El Clasico Live

In light of these developments, Real Madrid released an official statement urging the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and the refereeing body to act in defense of the dignity and integrity of the institutions they represent. This statement was widely interpreted as a firm call for reform in officiating standards, reflecting the mounting pressure from club president Florentino Pérez and the club’s executive leadership.

Rafael Louzán, President of the RFEF, appealed for common sense and responsibility during this tense period. Subsequently, amid rampant speculation regarding a possible boycott, Real Madrid issued a second statement firmly denying any intentions of withdrawing from the final. The club emphasized that, despite feeling subjected to “hostility and animosity” from certain referees, they remain committed to upholding the values of football and ensuring that the integrity of this globally revered event is preserved.

Mindful of their loyal supporters who have traveled to Seville, Real Madrid reiterated their dedication to the sport’s core principles, stressing that no dispute should overshadow the significance of this monumental occasion.

As the evening approaches, anticipation continues to build for the final, which will be broadcast live by RTVE on La 1, RNE, and the RTVE online platforms starting at 22:00 local time. The national broadcaster has orchestrated an extensive coverage plan, reaching nearly 180 countries worldwide. Viewers can expect a dynamic production featuring more than 30 cameras, aerial footage from a helicopter, three mobile broadcast units, and exclusive insights from the benches of both teams. The live coverage will also include reactions from key figures throughout the match, available via RTVE’s website.

As tradition dictates, the renowned commentator Juan Carlos Rivero will lead the broadcast, accompanied by expert analysts Mario Suárez, Luis Milla, and ‘Chapi’ Ferrer, ensuring that fans around the world enjoy every riveting moment of this historic final.