After FC Barcelona triumphed 3-2 against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final, showcasing a thrilling match over 120 minutes, reflections on the future of both teams are immediate, especially concerning Real Madrid. Doubts loom over the future of head coach Carlo Ancelotti as he nears what seems to be the end of his fruitful tenure with the Spanish giants, after capturing 15 titles. Critics are concerned whether Madrid will complete the current season empty-handed, prompting the club’s president, Florentino Perez, to contemplate a managerial change this summer.

Hansi Flick’s Impact

On the other hand, FC Barcelona celebrates their choice to appoint Hansi Flick as their head coach in 2024. Flick has already secured two trophies in his first season, enhancing Barcelona’s standing in La Liga, where they hold a four-point lead over their rivals. Barcelona’s prospects seem bright as they prepare for their upcoming UEFA Champions League semifinal against Inter.

Referee Controversy

Leading into the final, Real Madrid had controversially requested a change of referee, voicing their dissatisfaction and receiving significant media attention. Judge Ricardo de Burgos faced numerous threats due to his past officiating choices, which sparked discussions on referee integrity in high-stakes matches.

Referee’s Controversial Decisions

Despite successfully maintaining control of the match, the last minute saw a pivotal decision as the referee initially awarded a penalty to Barcelona but later overturned the call after VAR review, leading to heightened tensions and a late red card given to Antonio Rüdiger.

As discussions on Ancelotti’s tenure arise, the future remains uncertain for Real Madrid amidst the backdrop of their Copa del Rey loss. Can the Spanish giants rebound, or is this a turning point under Ancelotti’s coaching era?