Revealed: Why Jude Bellingham was red-carded in heartbreaking El Clasico loss to Barcelona

Jude Bellingham in the El Clasico.

Revealed: Why Jude Bellingham was red-carded in heartbreaking El Clasico loss to Barcelona

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 09:15 - 27.04.2025

England’s Jude Bellingham was one of three Real Madrid players who received red cards in the Copa del Rey final defeat to bitter rivals FC Barcelona in Seville.

In a dramatic and heated Copa del Rey final, Real Madrid suffered a 3-2 extra-time defeat to arch-rivals FC Barcelona at Estadio La Cartuja in Seville, with England star Jude Bellingham among three Real Madrid players sent off in the match’s chaotic closing stages.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano shared insights from referee Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea’s report, shedding light on the controversial decision to red-card Bellingham.

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The match, a thrilling El Clásico, saw Barcelona take the lead through Pedri’s first-half strike, only for Real Madrid to fight back with a Kylian Mbappé free kick and an Aurélien Tchouaméni header.

Ferran Torres levelled the score late to force extra time, where Jules Koundé’s 116th-minute screamer secured Barcelona’s record-extending 32nd Copa del Rey title.

Jude Bellingham during the game against Barcelona.
Jude Bellingham during the game against Barcelona.

However, the game’s moments were marred by controversy as tensions boiled over, led by German defender Antonio Rudiger.

According to Romano, De Burgos’ report stated that Bellingham was sent off after the final whistle for “approaching him AGGRESSIVELY.”

Pedri opened the scoring in the thrilling El Clasico.

No mention was made of insults or disrespectful gestures, with the referee citing only the midfielder’s confrontational demeanour.

Bellingham was joined by Rudiger, who had to be restrained by teammates, and Lucas Vázquez in receiving red cards.

Bellingham was sent off against Barcelona.

Rüdiger, already substituted, was dismissed for throwing an object toward the referee and displaying an aggressive attitude, while Vázquez was sent off for disputing decisions and entering the field.

The pre-match buildup had already been tense, with Real Madrid accusing officials of bias and boycotting the press conference, citing “animosity and hostility” from the refereeing body.

Barcelona were the biggest winners on and off the pitch.

The red cards capped a tempestuous night, leaving Real Madrid to rue both the loss and the disciplinary fallout as Barcelona celebrated a vital step toward a potential treble.

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