With just four days remaining before the highly anticipated Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has made a decisive move that could shape the outcome of this historic encounter: the appointment of the match referee.
In what is always a sensitive and scrutinized decision, especially ahead of a Clasico, the RFEF has opted for experience and composure by selecting international referee Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea to officiate the final, set to be played in Seville on Saturday, April 26.
At 37 years old, De Burgos Bengoetxea has built a solid career at the highest level of Spanish football. However, this will mark his first time officiating a Copa del Rey final. Known for his authoritative presence and ability to handle high-pressure situations, his appointment signals the RFEF’s desire for a controlled, controversy-free showdown.
He won’t be alone in this mission. The RFEF has also appointed Pablo González Fuertes to oversee the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) operations — a crucial position in a modern game where every decision can be reviewed and potentially overturned.
González Fuertes, promoted to La Liga in 2017, has refereed over 150 top-flight matches and brings with him a wealth of experience, especially in matches involving high stakes and emotional intensity.
Statistics from previous encounters give an interesting context to De Burgos Bengoetxea’s history with both teams. He has officiated 31 Barcelona matches, with the Catalans winning 25 of them, drawing once, and losing five. With Real Madrid, he’s taken charge of 25 matches, resulting in 16 wins, four draws, and five defeats for Los Blancos.
These numbers have already sparked discussions, especially among Madrid supporters, many of whom remember his controversial decision to send off Cristiano Ronaldo in the 2018 Spanish Super Cup — a moment still fresh in fans’ minds.
Nevertheless, the RFEF remains firm in its decision. By selecting De Burgos Bengoetxea, the federation’s Technical Committee of Referees is aiming to ensure that this final — arguably the biggest domestic fixture of the season — is managed with experience and impartiality.
This will be the fourth Clasico that De Burgos Bengoetxea has officiated. In addition to the Ronaldo red card in 2018, he took charge of two matches between Madrid and Barcelona in 2023 — the Supercopa final in Saudi Arabia and a crucial La Liga clash at Camp Nou.
Every Clasico carries enormous significance, but this one is especially important for Real Madrid. Carlo Ancelotti’s side has already lost to Barcelona twice this season, and a third defeat — this time in a cup final — would be devastating both mentally and competitively. The Italian manager must prepare meticulously to ensure his team is ready.
Barcelona, on the other hand, enters the final with confidence. Young talents like Lamine Yamal have stepped up alongside seasoned players like Robert Lewandowski and Ilkay Gündoğan. The momentum is on their side, and they’ll be determined to secure more silverware at the expense of their eternal rivals.
Still, when the margins are so fine, officiating can play a pivotal role. Every foul, every offside call, and every VAR intervention could tilt the match in one direction or the other. That’s why the spotlight is firmly on the referee team.
Preparations on both sides are in full swing. Tactical plans are being finalized, players are pushing through their final training sessions, and fans are bracing for what promises to be an unforgettable night of football. The buzz is palpable across Spain and beyond.
For football lovers, this isn’t just a game — it’s a defining moment. For Madrid, it’s a shot at redemption. For Barcelona, it’s a chance to cement dominance. And for Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea, it’s the biggest test of his refereeing career.
The stage is set. Seville awaits with bated breath. And as the tension builds, one question remains: can the officiating live up to the magnitude of this colossal event?
Everything is now in place for an epic showdown. The Copa del Rey 2025 final is ready to write another chapter in the legendary rivalry between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona.