Controversy Erupts in Supercopa Final: Real Madrid Escape Red Cards as Referee Faces Fierce Criticism

The King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah witnessed a Supercopa de España final brimming with drama, brilliance, and controversy. Real Madrid suffered a humiliating 5-2 defeat to Barcelona, squandering a 1-0 lead and missing out on their first trophy of 2025. However, the match’s narrative extended far beyond the scoreline, as referee Gil Manzano found himself at the center of a firestorm of criticism for his contentious decisions.

Madrid’s Lucky Escape: Two Red Cards Ignored

Despite the lopsided result, many observers, including AS, argued that Real Madrid were fortunate to lose by only three goals. Two key incidents involving Eduardo Camavinga and Vinícius Jr. raised serious questions about Manzano’s officiating.

In the 36th minute, Camavinga blatantly fouled Yamal from behind, wrapping his arms around the Barcelona forward to prevent a counterattack. While this was a textbook yellow-card offense, Manzano inexplicably refrained from issuing a second booking. Camavinga had already been cautioned earlier for a reckless challenge on Gavi, which led to a penalty converted by Robert Lewandowski.

Vinícius Jr. was also at the center of controversy. The Brazilian forward, already on a yellow card, stepped on Jules Koundé’s heel in what appeared to be a deliberate act. Yet again, Manzano showed leniency, opting not to show a second yellow. Had both players been sent off, Real Madrid’s already fragile resistance might have crumbled entirely.

A Tale of Double Standards

Manzano’s inconsistency was further highlighted when he did not hesitate to punish Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny. In the 56th minute, Szczęsny rushed out of his box and brought down Kylian Mbappé in a desperate attempt to stop a goal-scoring opportunity. After a VAR review, Manzano showed Szczęsny a straight red card, leaving Barcelona to play with ten men for the remainder of the match.

The disparity in disciplinary actions infuriated Barcelona fans and players alike. Prominent football analyst Chip described Manzano’s performance as a “disaster,” accusing him of missing clear red-card offenses that could have drastically altered the game’s outcome.

A Match of High Drama and Spectacle

Despite the officiating controversies, the final itself was a captivating affair. Real Madrid started brightly, with Mbappé giving Los Blancos an early lead. However, Barcelona responded with a flurry of goals, as Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Alejandro Balde tore through Madrid’s defense in a breathtaking 33-minute spell.

Raphinha added a fifth goal after the break, effectively sealing the game. Although Rodrygo managed to pull one back for Madrid following Szczęsny’s dismissal, it was merely a consolation. The closing stages saw Real Madrid visibly deflated, with their players and coaching staff reflecting the despondency of a team thoroughly outplayed.

Reactions and Fallout

The camera panned to Real Madrid’s bench in the final minutes, capturing a tableau of despair. Vinícius Jr., substituted late in the game, sat with a blank expression, while head coach Carlo Ancelotti looked visibly furious, his face flushed with frustration.

The defeat marked a significant blow for Ancelotti’s side, who not only lost the chance to secure their first trophy of the year but also exposed glaring weaknesses in their defensive organization and mental fortitude.

For Barcelona, the victory was a resounding statement of intent. The team’s attacking fluidity and tactical discipline under Xavi Hernández were on full display, cementing their status as a force to be reckoned with in Spanish football.

Commentary: The Thin Line Between Drama and Disgrace

This Supercopa final was a microcosm of football’s capacity to thrill and frustrate in equal measure. The match delivered unforgettable moments of skill and determination, yet it was marred by officiating that left fans and pundits questioning the integrity of the game.

Gil Manzano’s performance underscored the importance of consistent and fair refereeing in high-stakes matches. While human error is an inherent part of the sport, the apparent double standards in disciplinary actions cast a shadow over what should have been a celebration of footballing excellence.

Ultimately, Barcelona’s brilliance shone through, but the lingering controversies serve as a reminder that even the most spectacular matches can be tainted by the fallibility of those tasked with enforcing the rules.