Real Madrid’s 3-2 extra-time defeat to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final could have severe consequences beyond the loss of silverware, with Jude Bellingham, Lucas Vazquez, and Antonio Rudiger all awaiting disciplinary action following unsporting conduct, MySportDab Reports.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side were poised for victory, leading 2-1 with six minutes of normal time left, before Ferran Torres forced extra time and Jules Koundé netted the decisive goal in the 116th minute. However, Real’s frustration boiled over in dramatic fashion as three players were sent off before the night ended.
Amid a backdrop of high tension — fuelled by Real Madrid’s pre-match frustrations over the appointment of referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea — tempers snapped when the official blew for a foul against Kylian Mbappe late in extra time.
Lucas Vazquez stormed onto the pitch in protest, while Rudiger, already substituted, ripped off ice packs and hurled them towards the referee, earning an immediate red card and requiring restraint from teammates.
After the final whistle, Bellingham was also dismissed for aggressively approaching the referee, having previously expressed repeated frustration during the match and allegedly swearing at an assistant referee.
According to Spanish media, Vazquez and Bellingham are likely to receive suspensions applying only to next season’s Copa del Rey, leaving them available for the remainder of the current La Liga campaign.
However, Rudiger’s situation is far more serious. Cited for displaying an “aggressive attitude,” the German defender could face a ban of four to 12 games under Article 101 of the Royal Spanish Football Federation’s Disciplinary Code — a sanction that would extend across all domestic competitions. Such a punishment would see Rudiger miss critical league matches, including the upcoming Clasico against Barcelona on May 11.
Following a night to reflect, Rudiger publicly apologized on social media: “There’s definitely no excuse for my behaviour last night. I’m very sorry for that. Sorry again to the referee and to everyone I have disappointed.”
With La Liga now their only path to a trophy, Real Madrid’s title hopes could be further complicated by these looming suspensions.
