Former Barcelona ahead Christoph Dugarry says Actual Madrid “hit all-time low” with their conduct previous to and through their Copa del Rey defeat on the weekend.
The European champions lost 3-2 to Barca in extra-time – Jules Kounde netting a late winner for the Catalans – however that solely advised half the story of a weekend of controversy.
Madrid reignited their campaign against referees before the game and then objected to their right to a response whereas, on the sector, that they had three gamers despatched off as defeat was accompanied by shame.
Dugarry calls for motion in opposition to Madrid
And Dugarry, who performed for Barca in a profession that additionally noticed spells with Bordeaux, AC Milan and Marseille in addition to 55 appearances for France, believes robust motion must be taken.
He advised the Rothen Enflamme present: “I nonetheless marvel how the most important membership on this planet can perform such a marketing campaign of discredit in opposition to the referee earlier than a match. What instance is Actual Madrid giving to the youth on this planet?
“They must be sanctioned. In the event that they don’t will probably be a catastrophe for soccer. It gained’t be stunning to see younger individuals transfer away from the most well-liked sport on this planet due to what the leaders are doing, utilizing strategies of thuggery.
“They’ve trampled on soccer. Actual Madrid has hit all-time low.”
No creo que a Rudiger le caiga más de un partido porque se ve claramente que está disputando el balón. pic.twitter.com/QnQqU8p5R4
— Manuel García (@Candeliano) April 27, 2025
A weekend of controversy
Madrid had previous to the sport petitioned for referee Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea and VAR official Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes to get replaced after the 2 officers outlined their disgust at a video on the membership’s in-house TV channel that highlighted errors made throughout their careers.
Bengoetxea’s greatest name of the sport went in Madrid’s favour as, following a VAR evaluation on the pitchside monitor, he reversed his preliminary choice to award Barcelona a 96th-minute penalty after Raul Asencio appeared to convey down Raphinha.
That meant regular time ended with the sport stage at 2-2, Ferran Torres having equalised after Kylian Mbappe’s free-kick and Aurelien Tchouameni’s header had given Madrid a second-half lead following Pedri’s beautiful opener for Barca.
However Kounde’s fierce drive within the 116th minute secured victory for Barcelona as they stayed heading in the right direction for the treble, and prompted scenes of anger from the Madrid bench with defender Antonio Rudiger having to be held again from contronting the officers after being sent-off.
Jude Bellingham and Lucas Vazquez had been additionally dismissed as Madrid misplaced their self-discipline.
