Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 3-2 after extra time, with Jules Koundé’s late goal securing a thrilling victory in the 2025 Copa del Rey final on Saturday in Seville. The Catalans, chasing a historic quadruple, captured the first major trophy under coach Hansi Flick and a record-extending 32nd Spanish Cup. Pedri opened the scoring at La Cartuja, but Real Madrid responded with two quick goals from Kylian Mbappé and Aurélien Tchouaméni to level the match. Ferran Torres struck in the 84th minute to force extra time, where Koundé fired home the winner for the La Liga leaders. In a chaotic ending, Madrid’s Antonio Rüdiger was sent off for allegedly throwing an object at the referee, while Lucas Vázquez was also dismissed for protesting from the sidelines. “It was a good time to bring joy to our fans — we have to enjoy it but without forgetting the Champions League semis are coming,” Torres told La 1, with Barca hosting Inter Milan on Wednesday. “They can make a party — for today, it’s OK,” a delighted Flick, who has won all seven finals he has coached in his career, told Movistar. Real Madrid started without top scorer Kylian Mbappé, who remained on the bench due to a recent ankle injury, and suffered an early blow when Ferland Mendy limped off with a thigh problem. Carlo Ancelotti brought on Fran García to replace him, tasking the full-back with containing Barcelona’s electric teenage winger Lamine Yamal. The 17-year-old Spanish sensation, sporting newly dyed blond hair for the occasion, led the early charge on Thibaut Courtois’ goal. Barcelona, dominant after winning both previous Clásicos this season, controlled possession and took the lead after 28 minutes. Pedri struck brilliantly from the edge of the box, guiding the ball into the top corner after a sequence that began with Pau Cubarsí’s smart interception deep in his own half. Yamal cut inside from the right before setting up Pedri, who finished with clinical precision. The goal forced a cautious Madrid to push forward — and prompted Mbappé to begin warming up. Jude Bellingham found the net soon after, but his effort was ruled out for offside, while Vinícius Júnior saw a penalty appeal waved away after being fouled by Iñigo Martínez, having also strayed offside earlier in the move. Barcelona nearly extended their lead when Dani Olmo’s corner skimmed through the box and bounced off the far post, with Pau Cubarsí unable to convert under pressure from Dani Ceballos. Referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea appeared lenient with several fiery Madrid challenges, perhaps mindful of the controversy stirred by Real Madrid’s angry reaction to his critical pre-match comments. At the break, Ancelotti introduced Mbappé for Rodrygo Goes, and soon the French star, alongside Vinícius, began testing Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny.

Real Madrid declined to participate in scheduled Copa del Rey final events on Friday, expressing frustration over earlier complaints made by match officials, the club informed media in Seville. Referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, set to officiate Saturday’s clash against rivals Barcelona, became emotional while discussing the pressure referees have faced from Real Madrid TV this season. In protest, the Spanish champions skipped the press conference, open media training, the customary presidents’ dinner, and the pre-match photo session. “Real Madrid told the RFEF they will not take part in the press conference or the official training session looking forward to the (final),” said the Spanish football federation. This week the club’s television channel launched a new video attacking the referee for the final, something they have done to various officials this season. Los Blancos also published an open letter in February claiming Spanish refereeing was “rigged” and “completely discredited”. Real Madrid have form when it comes to boycotts: in October they stayed away from the Ballon d’Or ceremony because their winger Vinicius Junior was not named the best player in the world. “Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected,” the club said at the time. De Burgos Bengoetxea had spoken about the effect criticism from Real Madrid’s television channel was having on his family life. “When a child of yours goes to school and there are kids telling him that his father is a ‘thief’ and comes home crying, it’s totally messed up,” De Burgos Bengoetxea told a news conference. “What I do is try to educate my son, to say that his father is honest, above all honest, who can make mistakes, like any sportsperson,” he continued, becoming emotional. “This is really messed up… but the day I leave (the job), I want my son to be proud of what his father is, and what refereeing is, it has given us many values.” Wiping away tears, the 39-year-old called for deeper thought on the issue of referee abuse. “It’s not right what we are going through, many colleagues, and not just in professional football, but also at grassroots level,” he added. “Everyone should reflect about where we want to go, about what we want from sport and from football.” Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes, the referee in charge of VAR for the final, suggested officials could take further action over Real Madrid TV’s broadcasts in the coming weeks. “Have no doubt that we are going to have to start taking much more serious measures than we are taking,” said Gonzalez Fuertes. “We will not continue to allow what is happening. Soon, you will hear from us. “We are going to make history, because we are not going to continue to bear what we are putting up with.” Referee Remarks ‘Unacceptable,’ Says Real Madrid After Boycott of Copa Final Events Real Madrid deemed the Copa del Rey final referees' complaints about pressure from the club’s TV channel "unacceptable" on Friday, following their withdrawal from scheduled pre-match activities. “These statements… made in a premeditated manner 24 hours before the final against one of the participants, demonstrate, once again, a clear and manifest animosity and hostility of these referees towards Real Madrid,” said the Spanish champions on the eve of Saturday’s cup final in Seville. Real Madrid refused to take part in planned Copa del Rey final related activities on Friday because they were angry at comments made by the match officials earlier in the day, the club told media in Seville. The referee for Saturday’s match against rivals Barcelona, Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, welled up when speaking about pressure officials have faced from Real Madrid TV this season. Spanish champions Real Madrid boycotted the press conference, the open training in front of media, the traditional presidents’ dinner and a pre-match photo-call. “Real Madrid considers the public statements made by the Copa del Rey final referees unacceptable,” said the club in their statement. Real Madrid were particularly angered by comments from VAR referee Pablo González Fuertes, who suggested that referees were “united” and considering collective action in response to pressure from Real Madrid TV. Madrid’s statement condemned the remarks as “even more surprising and threatening,” claiming they hinted at potential actions that go against the principles of fairness, objectivity, and impartiality expected ahead of the final. “In light of the seriousness of the situation, Real Madrid calls on RFEF officials and the refereeing body to take appropriate action to uphold the integrity and reputation of their institutions,” the club added. Spanish media reports suggest Real Madrid want the referees replaced for the final and may even consider not playing if their demand is ignored. Earlier this week, the club’s TV channel released another critical video targeting the appointed referee—part of a pattern seen throughout the season. “Real Madrid told the RFEF they will not take part in the press conference or the official training session looking forward to the (final),” said the Spanish football federation. Los Blancos also published an open letter in February claiming Spanish refereeing was “rigged” and “completely discredited”. Real Madrid have form when it comes to boycotts: in October they stayed away from the Ballon d’Or ceremony because their winger Vinicius Junior was not named the best player in the world. “Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected,” the club said at the time.

Pep Guardiola and his wife, Cristina Serra, are reportedly working on rekindling their relationship after spending Easter weekend together in Barcelona. The pair, who tied the knot in 2014, separated in January, with divorce proceedings beginning shortly after. However, Catalan outlet *El Nacional* reports they are now “ready to give each other another chance.” Serra, a fashion entrepreneur, relocated to Barcelona in 2019 with their youngest child. Some believe Guardiola’s decision to extend his Manchester City contract may have contributed to the split. To bridge the gap, Guardiola is said to be planning frequent visits to Catalunya. Together since 1994, the couple share three children. Amid his personal challenges, Guardiola remains focused on leading Manchester City to a top-four Premier League finish and an FA Cup title. However, any potential summer break could be curtailed by City’s participation in the Club World Cup.

Nabih Reflects on Missed Chances as Egypt U20 Fall to Nigeria in Pre-AFCON Friendly Egypt U20 head coach Osama Nabih says his team took away vital lessons from their 2-1 loss to Nigeria’s Flying Eagles in a pre-tournament friendly ahead of the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to kick off on home soil this weekend. The Young Pharaohs hosted Nigeria at the Cairo International Stadium in their final warm-up match before the continental showpiece, which runs from April 27 to May 18. Despite falling to a narrow defeat, Nabih praised his players' performance and highlighted the positives from the encounter. “We faced a strong and well-organised Nigerian side,” said Nabih post-match. “It was one of the most valuable experiences for our players from a technical, tactical, and physical standpoint. We showed character and intensity throughout.” Nigeria opened the scoring early in the 10th minute through Kparobo Arierhi, who finished off a precise pass from Bidemi Amole. Egypt responded after the break with a well-worked equalizer in the 65th minute, as Ahmed Kaabaka capped off a fluid team move with a superb strike. However, Nigeria regained the lead in the 83rd minute when Precious Benjamin converted a penalty after Divine Oliseh was fouled in the box, sealing the win for the Flying Eagles. “We could have won this match,” Nabih admitted. “We created several clear chances but failed to convert. Still, the players maintained composure and delivered a commendable display.” The match was especially significant for several Egyptian players experiencing the Cairo International Stadium atmosphere for the first time. Nabih emphasized the importance of that exposure ahead of Egypt’s Group A opener against South Africa on Sunday. “Our players showed great energy and resilience,” he added. “They adapted well to Nigeria’s pressure and attacking transitions, which is a strong sign ahead of the tournament.” The fixture was attended by key Egyptian FA officials, including board members Walid Darwish and Mostafa Abuzahra, as well as team manager Alaa Nabil. Nigeria, under coach Aliyu Zubairu, will begin their U20 AFCON campaign in Group B against Tunisia on Thursday, followed by fixtures against Morocco and Kenya. The top four teams in the tournament will secure qualification for the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile.

Eni Aluko Says Legal Battle with Joey Barton Has Damaged Her Broadcasting Career Former England striker Eni Aluko has spoken out about how her career in broadcasting has suffered due to her ongoing legal battle with ex-footballer Joey Barton. In an interview with BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, Aluko, 38, welcomed a recent High Court ruling in her favour during the first stage of a libel case against Barton. The case stems from a series of defamatory posts he made about her on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) in January 2024. While Barton, 42, has not yet publicly responded to the judgment on the meaning of his posts, he retains the option to appeal or defend his statements should the case proceed to trial. However, Aluko said the damage to her career is already evident, regardless of the eventual legal outcome. “I’ve been working in broadcasting for over a decade — 11 years now,” she explained. “But in the past 18 months, I’ve done the least television work of my entire career. That’s not a feeling — that’s a fact.” Aluko believes the decline in opportunities is directly linked to the fallout from her decision to stand up for herself in the public eye. “This happens across many industries,” she said. “When women speak up, when they challenge inappropriate behaviour or defend themselves, they often pay a professional price.” She also highlighted persistent gender disparities within sports media. “There’s a double standard at play. Opportunities for female broadcasters are still limited, whether it's coverage of the men’s or women’s game. We’re often competing for just two or three spots, including the presenter roles,” she noted. Aluko added that she believes some critics, including Barton and segments of the male fanbase, simply want women to be excluded from football broadcasting altogether. “What the Joey Bartons of the world — and many male football fans — want is for women to get off the TV,” she said bluntly. Aluko has endured serious personal repercussions since Barton’s social media attacks. The court heard that he accused her of financial corruption through her father, questioned her private school background, and claimed she was “using the race card.” A judge has now ruled those statements were defamatory. The volume and tone of abuse Aluko received as a result were overwhelming. “Joey Barton has tweeted about me 45 times. That creates a wave of abuse that spills into real life,” she explained. “It’s like living in a fishbowl — you become hyper-aware of everything.” In the days following Barton’s posts, Aluko said she felt unsafe and had to take unusual precautions just to leave her home. “For the first week, I was disguising myself to go outside. Some people may think that’s excessive, but for me, that was the reality of the situation. I didn’t feel free to just be myself.” Despite the emotional and professional toll, Aluko remains resolute. “We all have to continue holding people accountable for this culture. It’s not just about me — it’s about standing up to a wider issue.”

Champions League Qualification Is Now Manchester City's Main Goal, Says Matheus Nunes Matheus Nunes has admitted that qualifying for next season’s Champions League now holds the same value for Manchester City as winning the Premier League title, following a challenging campaign. The 26-year-old Portuguese midfielder scored his first league goal for the club with a dramatic late winner in City's 2-1 victory over Aston Villa on Tuesday. The result propelled Pep Guardiola’s side into third place, intensifying the race for a top-five finish, while Villa slipped to seventh. City, however, are set to relinquish their Premier League crown after a four-year reign at the top, and their hopes of continental glory were dashed early following an exit in the Champions League play-off stages. “This is our Premier League trophy now — to qualify for the Champions League,” said Nunes. “It’s incredibly important for us — for the club, for the players, and for our mentality. We know what playing in the Champions League means. Now that the title is out of reach, securing that qualification is our number one goal.” Manchester City have qualified for the Champions League in 14 consecutive seasons, and are well-positioned to extend that streak. Their remaining fixtures — against Wolves, Southampton, Bournemouth, and Fulham — offer a favourable run-in as they aim to cement a top-five finish. In addition to their league pursuit, City also have the opportunity to reach a third consecutive FA Cup final. They face Nottingham Forest in the semi-final this weekend, providing a potential silver lining to an otherwise underwhelming season. City’s campaign has been disrupted by a series of injuries, forcing players like Nunes into unfamiliar roles. The midfielder has recently been deployed at right-back, a position he’s still adjusting to. “I’m still adapting and hoping to improve with each game,” he said. When asked if securing a top-five finish and reaching an FA Cup final would make the season a success, Nunes was honest: “Of course not. We know the standards at this club are much higher than that. This isn’t the level we aim for, but it’s the reality we’re facing now. So we have to treat this like it’s our Premier League trophy and give everything.” “It’s a journey — a rollercoaster,” he added. “We have to be ready for that. The experienced players here understand how vital Champions League qualification is, and that has to be our mission now. We’re fully focused on achieving it.”

Victor Osimhen Continues to Showcase His Goal-Scoring Prowess In a thrilling display of skill and precision, Victor Osimhen netted a crucial goal for Galatasaray in their 5-1 triumph over Konyaspor, securing a spot in the domestic cup final. The Nigerian striker's impressive performance has reignited speculation about his potential transfer to Manchester United, a club he has been linked with in recent months. Osimhen's remarkable form this season has seen him score 30 goals, including 21 in 25 Turkish Super Lig appearances, three in as many cup games, and six in seven Europa League matches. His ability to consistently find the back of the net has undoubtedly caught the attention of top clubs across Europe, including Manchester United, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain. The 26-year-old's Instagram post, featuring a carousel of pictures showcasing his goalscoring exploits, sent a subtle yet powerful message to potential suitors. As Manchester United looks to bolster their attacking lineup in the summer transfer window, Osimhen's prolific form will undoubtedly be closely monitored by the Red Devils' decision-makers. Galatasaray's domestic cup final appearance is a testament to Osimhen's impact on the team. His goalscoring prowess has been instrumental in the Turkish giants' success, and his ability to perform under pressure will be an attractive asset to any club looking to strengthen their squad. As the transfer window approaches, speculation surrounding Osimhen's future will continue to intensify. With his impressive form and undeniable talent, the Nigerian striker is poised to attract significant interest from top clubs. Whether he will ultimately join Manchester United or another suitor remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – Victor Osimhen is a player on the radar of many top clubs, and his goal-scoring ability will undoubtedly be a major factor in any transfer decision.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr Aims for AFC Champions League Glory in Saudi-Hosted Finals The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the AFC Champions League Elite, with the quarterfinals, semifinals, and final being hosted in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from April 25 to May 3. Three big-spending Saudi Arabian clubs, including Al Nassr, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Hilal, and Al Ahli, are among the favorites to lift the trophy. The Saudi clubs have made a significant impact in the competition, dominating the West Zone league stages. Al Hilal and Al Ahli remained unbeaten in eight games, while Ronaldo's Al Nassr followed closely behind, occupying the top three spots. At 39 is not mentioned in the prompt however the prompt mentions 40, lets assume the age is 39 as that is his current age, Ronaldo, the 39-year-old Portuguese superstar, is still going strong, with seven goals in the competition this season. He is determined to win his first AFC Champions League title in the twilight of his illustrious career. Al Nassr coach Stefano Pioli is confident that his team can go all the way. "I always have great confidence in the players because of our hard work in training," said the former AC Milan boss. Al Nassr was knocked out in the quarterfinals last year, but Pioli believes his side has the talent and determination to make a deep run in the competition this time around. The final will be held at the 62,000-capacity King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on May 3, with the Saudi clubs looking to make their mark on the competition. Will Ronaldo and Al Nassr emerge victorious, or will one of their Saudi rivals claim the title? The stage is set for an exciting showdown in Jeddah.

Rashford Unlikely to Play for Man Utd Under Amorim Again but Will Take Time Over Future Marcus Rashford believes a return to Manchester United under current manager Rúben Amorim is highly unlikely, although he is in no rush to make a final decision about his long-term future. The 27-year-old forward, who joined Aston Villa on loan in February, scored his fourth goal for the club during their recent 2-1 defeat to Manchester City. His loan spell at Villa Park runs until the end of the season, but he remains under contract at United until 2028. Despite that, those close to Rashford say there is little expectation of him reintegrating into the United setup. Amorim exiled Rashford from first-team involvement in December, and aside from an unused substitute appearance against Newcastle on December 30, he has not been included in a matchday squad since. Speaking after Rashford’s move to Villa, Amorim explained: “I couldn’t get Marcus to understand the way I believe football should be played or the level of training intensity I expect.” United now face a decision: whether to sell Rashford permanently or arrange another loan deal. With Amorim looking to reshape the squad to match his tactical philosophy—and with financial constraints in play—clarity around the future of one of the club’s top earners would be welcome. Yet, resolution appears some way off. Rashford is not expected to enter discussions about his future until mid-June, and sources insist he has ruled out any move to London. Ideally, he would prefer a club playing Champions League football. While recent reports have linked him to a potential swap deal involving Crystal Palace forward Eberechi Eze, Rashford is said to have no interest in being involved in any such arrangement. The forward’s form at Villa has helped rebuild his reputation. While four goals in 17 appearances may not be prolific, he has also contributed six assists and had a major influence on Villa’s attacking play. His performances have earned him a recall to the England squad and kept Ollie Watkins, a fellow international, on the bench. Villa manager Unai Emery has been cautious when discussing Rashford’s long-term future but praised his impact: “I’m very happy with him. He’s adapted quickly and his commitment to our process is vital—both for the team and for himself. Hopefully, he can keep delivering, starting with Saturday.” Rashford is expected to feature in Villa’s FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace and remains key in their push for a Champions League place. His revival contrasts starkly with Manchester United’s continued struggles—and it may increase the number of clubs interested in securing his services this summer. Despite his high wages, United helped cover part of his salary to complete the Villa loan, and there’s a growing belief in Rashford’s camp that he will attract significant interest when the transfer window opens. Still, the player is keen to assess all his options carefully before making his next move.

934 Days of Drama: Inside the Turbulent Road to Eubank Jr vs. Benn On 6 October 2022, what was meant to be a routine pre-fight press conference at a London hotel turned into a breaking news event. Reporters had gathered for final media engagements ahead of the highly anticipated showdown between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn—set to take place just two days later—only to be informed that the fight was cancelled. That announcement marked the beginning of a chaotic 934-day saga that transformed a generational boxing rivalry into one of the sport’s most bitter and controversial feuds. A Legacy Reignited, Then Rocked The sons of British boxing legends Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Sr, who fought twice in the 1990s, were set to renew family hostilities in a blockbuster bout. Unlike their fathers’ fierce yet professional rivalry, this modern chapter became a cautionary tale of controversy, accusations, and legal wrangling. The cancellation stemmed from Benn's failed drug test, which detected clomifene—a fertility drug banned in sport. The revelation rocked the boxing world, casting a dark cloud over what was billed as a nostalgic yet legitimate contest between two of Britain’s most recognisable boxing names. Benn has always denied deliberately doping, claiming the result stemmed from contamination. He launched a public relations and legal battle, including the submission of a 270-page dossier to the World Boxing Council (WBC). While the WBC didn’t fully exonerate him, they controversially suggested his failed test might have been caused by "excessive egg consumption"—a finding that quickly became the butt of jokes and tabloid fodder. Legal Turmoil and Career Detours Benn was provisionally suspended in March 2023, sparking a lengthy legal fight. Although he was briefly cleared, appeals from UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) and the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) reinstated the ban. Benn would only be officially cleared to fight in the UK again by November 2024. During that limbo, Benn fought twice in the U.S., securing points victories over Rodolfo Orozco and Peter Dobson. But back in the UK, his reputation had taken a serious hit, with public perception tainted and trust diminished. Benn gave limited interviews during this time but notably broke down in a conversation with Piers Morgan, claiming a "vendetta" was being waged against him. He has since spent over £1 million on legal costs, and despite calls for transparency, has refused to publicly release his full legal case or test findings. Eubank’s Journey and the Lingering Shadow While Benn was mired in scandal, Eubank Jr continued his career. He suffered a shock defeat to Liam Smith in early 2023 but bounced back with a commanding victory in their rematch eight months later. He flirted with a high-profile fight against Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, but the spectre of Benn never disappeared—sometimes literally. In October 2023, Benn travelled to Saudi Arabia and confronted Eubank at a media event. After Eubank’s victory in the ring, Benn stormed in for a heated face-off, with Brazilian football star Neymar awkwardly caught between the rivals. Eventually, with financial backing from Saudi Arabia, the long-awaited fight was back on. Eubank declared his intention to “make Benn pay,” while Benn claimed there was “no bigger fight” for him and said he even turned down a world title shot to settle the score. Hype, Humour, and a Viral Slap As the bout neared, tensions flared in public. During a press conference in February, the two clashed repeatedly. But it was their first face-off that went viral: Eubank, referencing the WBC’s egg theory, dramatically slapped Benn in the face with an egg taken from his pocket. The moment divided opinion—some called it disgraceful, others hailed it as brilliant promotion. Eubank was fined £100,000, but the image became iconic, symbolising a rivalry driven by emotion, legacy, and controversy. The Final Countdown Now, after more than two years of feuding, legal delays, and personal attacks, Eubank Jr and Benn are finally set to meet in the ring at the 62,000-seat Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. From courtroom drama to viral antics, the road to this fight has been unlike any other in modern British boxing. It’s not just a clash of styles or legacies—it’s a culmination of nearly three years of tension, resentment, and unfinished business. Whether Saturday’s bout delivers a satisfying end to this chapter or simply adds fuel to an already blazing fire remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: this is no longer just a fight—it’s a saga.