Copa del Rey Trophies

Lore & Background

The history of Real Madrid's Copa del Rey journey is a tapestry woven with threads of early dominance and long periods of frustration. In the club's infancy, under the presidency of Adolfo Meléndez, Los Blancos were absolute monarchs of the competition, winning four consecutive titles between 1905 and 1908. This era established the club as a national powerhouse before the league structure even existed in its modern form.

However, the mid-to-late 20th century became known among fans as the 'Cup Curse.' Despite dominating La Liga and conquering Europe five times in a row in the late 50s, Madrid struggled to lift the domestic cup. The drought stretched from 1993 until 2011, an agonizing 18-year period where the trophy seemed perpetually out of reach despite having some of the greatest players in history on the pitch. This era defined the club's identity as an 'European giant' that occasionally stumbled in domestic cups.

The narrative shifted dramatically under manager José Mourinho in 2011, when Madrid finally broke the spell by defeating Barcelona 1-0 after extra time with a header from Cristiano Ronaldo during standard extra time, as the golden goal rule had been abolished prior to this match. This victory was not just a trophy; it was a psychological liberation. Since then, the club has embraced the competition again, adding titles in 2014 and 2023, proving that while Europe is their kingdom, they still hold sway over Spain's oldest tournament.

In Their Own Story

Rain lashed against the Mestalla stands, blurring the white kits into spectral ghosts under the floodlights as the clock ticked past the 119th minute. The stadium held its breath, a silence heavier than the thunder overhead. Then, the ball struck the back of the net. A roar erupted from the white half, drowning out the Spanish anthem that would soon follow. It wasn't the Champions League final in Paris or Milan; it was just a cup final in Valencia. Yet, as the captain hoisted the silver trophy, the weight felt identical to any European crown. The curse of 1989–2011 was broken, the ghosts of past defeats exorcised by a single golden header from Cristiano Ronaldo. In that rain-soaked night, history finally turned the page.

Reader's Guide

The achievement of winning the Copa del Rey is defined by Real Madrid's unique relationship with the tournament: a mix of early supremacy, a long mid-century drought, and a modern resurgence.

The journey began in 1905 when the club won its first title, starting a golden run that saw them secure four consecutive cups by 1908. This established their status as Spain's premier team before the league era fully took hold. Throughout the early decades, they added titles regularly, building a foundation of domestic success.

However, the most defining chapter of this record is the 'Cup Curse' that lasted from 1936 to 2011 (with only one win in between). Despite being the kings of Europe, Madrid could not secure the cup for decades. This period created a distinct duality in the club's history: European dominance versus domestic cup struggles.

The turning point arrived on April 20, 2011. In a tense final against fierce rivals Barcelona at Mestalla, Cristiano Ronaldo scored a header in extra time to secure a 1-0 victory. This broke an 18-year drought and ended the longest trophy-less period in the club's history regarding this specific competition.

The significance of these victories lies in their ability to complete the domestic double or treble when combined with La Liga titles. The 2023 final, a dramatic extra-time victory over Osasuna under Carlo Ancelotti, further cemented that the 'curse' was truly over, adding the twentieth star to the club's cabinet and proving their versatility across all Spanish competitions.

Did You Know?

• FC Barcelona holds the all-time record with 31 Copa del Rey titles, followed by Athletic Bilbao (24), placing Real Madrid in third place with 20.
• The club has contested a staggering 53 Copa del Rey finals throughout its history, securing victory in 20 of them while suffering 33 defeats.
• In the competition's infancy, Real Madrid established immediate supremacy by winning four consecutive titles between 1905 and 1908.
• Manuel Sanchís Martínez holds the club record for most Copa del Rey titles won as a player with four. His son, Manuel Sanchís Hontiyuelo (Sanchís Jr.), also played for Real Madrid and secured two prestigious titles in th

Historic Setting and Rivalry Renewed

The 2025 Copa del Rey final marked a monumental occasion in Spanish football history, serving as the climax of the tournament's 123rd edition. This specific match was notable for returning to the Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville, which had recently undergone significant expansion and conversion from an athletics track to accommodate future World Cup demands. The fixture featured the arch-rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid, representing their 260th competitive encounter overall. Crucially, this was the first time these two giants met in a Copa del Rey final since 2014, heightening the anticipation among fans. The atmosphere was electric as the teams prepared for what would become a decisive battle on April 26, 2025. Barcelona ultimately emerged victorious with a dramatic 3–2 scoreline after extra time, securing their record-extending 32nd title in the competition's long and storied history.

Pre-Match Controversy and Official Backlash

Tensions escalated significantly before kickoff due to a heated dispute involving the appointed match referee, Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea. Real Madrid's television channel aired a critical video alleging bias against them, citing statistics where Barcelona won more frequently under his supervision and questioning his lack of experience in major UEFA or FIFA tournaments. The broadcast included footage of alleged errors committed by the official against Los Blancos. De Burgos Bengoetxea responded emotionally at a press conference, drawing parallels between professional scrutiny and personal attacks on family members, specifically mentioning how difficult it is for children to face ridicule about their parents' integrity. This conflict prompted warnings from video assistant referee Pablo González Fuertes regarding potential strikes by Spanish officials. In retaliation, Real Madrid withdrew entirely from pre-final media obligations, refusing to attend the press conference or official training sessions.

A Turbulent Match and Disciplinary Chaos

The final itself was marred by intense disciplinary issues that overshadowed the on-field action, resulting in three red cards issued exclusively to Real Madrid players. Antonio Rüdiger, who had already been substituted, received a sending-off during stoppage time of extra time for throwing an object toward the referee from the technical area. Lucas Vázquez was dismissed for aggressively entering the pitch to protest a decision, while Jude Bellingham was sent off after the final whistle for confronting the official in an aggressive manner that required teammates to restrain him. The aftermath saw Rüdiger publicly apologizing for his conduct and admitting there was no excuse for disappointing fans, though he faced a potential suspension ranging from four to twelve matches depending on the severity classification. Vázquez received a two-match ban for the next season's cup competition, while Bellingham's dismissal was eventually rescinded following review.

Final Verdict and Sanction Outcomes

Following the chaotic conclusion of the match, the disciplinary committee moved swiftly to address the misconduct that had plagued the final moments. While Antonio Rüdiger expressed deep regret for his actions after throwing an object at the referee, he ultimately received a six-match ban across domestic competitions for this serious offense. Lucas Vázquez was confirmed to serve a two-match suspension specifically within the Copa del Rey framework of the upcoming season due to his aggressive pitch invasion. In contrast, Jude Bellingham's red card for confronting the official after the whistle was officially rescinded, sparing him further punishment despite the initial dismissal. These outcomes highlighted the strict enforcement of conduct rules even amidst the high stakes of a final between Spain's biggest clubs. Ultimately, Barcelona celebrated their 32nd trophy, but the narrative remained heavily influenced by the disciplinary chaos that defined the latter stages of this historic encounter.

Gallery