Spain - Coach Hansi Flick believes that Real Madrid's criticism and demands for a referee change are unsportsmanlike, just one day before the Copa del Rey final.

"For me, this is just about sports, about football," Flick said on April 25 during the pre-match press conference at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville. "We need to protect everyone involved in this sport. Fans come to watch the players, but we also need referees, and we must take care of them. Disregarding the referee shows a lack of respect and is not fair play."

The controversy started on April 24 when Real Madrid TV released a video highlighting mistakes made by referee Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea, who will officiate the final. The next day, Bengoetxea responded during a press conference, claiming that Real’s video had negatively impacted his family.

Real Madrid reacted strongly by canceling their press conference, their training session, and the pre-match photoshoot. The club also filed a complaint to the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) demanding a change of referee. However, the RFEF rejected the request, firmly stating that they would not yield to pressure from any club.

Real considered returning to Madrid but later emphasized that they never intended to boycott the final. The club affirmed its respect for "an international-level match" that will be watched by hundreds of millions worldwide, despite their deep dissatisfaction with the refereeing.

Flick urged Barcelona’s young squad to ignore the controversy and enjoy the experience of playing in the final against Real Madrid. "It’s a wonderful experience to play a final against one of the strongest teams in the world," said the German coach. "We want to start well and lift the Cup."

Teenagers Pau Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal are expected to start. Gavi, Fermin Lopez, and Hector Fort — all academy graduates from La Masia — are also competing for starting spots.

Vice-captain Ronald Araujo admitted he was surprised by the composure of the youngsters during preparations for their first-ever Copa del Rey final. "They’re so calm, as if we weren't playing a final tomorrow," he said. "These kids from La Masia amaze me. They show no fear — it’s incredible."

Barcelona are aiming for a quadruple this season. They have already won the Spanish Super Cup, lead La Liga, and will face Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final. In the Champions League semifinals, Araujo and his teammates will play Inter Milan — with the first leg in Spain on May 1 and the return leg in Italy a week later.

Barcelona’s current position is a stark contrast to the instability at the end of last season, when coach Xavi reversed his decision to leave but was eventually sacked due to conflicts with club president Joan Laporta.

Araujo admitted he did not expect Barcelona to compete for four trophies at the start of the season. "At Barcelona, you always aim for everything. But at the start of the year, I didn’t expect we could win it all," said the Uruguayan defender. "I’m very happy - the fans and this club deserve it. They've been through a lot in recent years."