Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde has reached out to supporters with an emotional message after the team’s painful 3-2 defeat against FC Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final.
The 2024/25 season has been a rough journey for Real Madrid, a club that usually demands success. Starting the season as the reigning champions of both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, hopes were high.
However, the team struggled to maintain their dominance, suffering a heavy 5-1 defeat to Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals. Their latest loss in the Copa del Rey now puts them at risk of ending the campaign without a major trophy — a rare and bitter experience for Los Blancos.
Federico Valverde, seen by many as one of the team’s emotional leaders, took to Instagram to share his sorrow and frustration. In a heartfelt note, he admitted feeling like he had failed the fans.
“It happened again. And it will surely happen again many more times, because it is the road we are building and it is normal that one falls after so many miles. It makes me sad, it makes me angry, impotent. I feel like I failed you.
“It’s been a difficult year, physically and mentally very tough, but one day I was clear: ‘until my legs don’t give up anymore’. This club doesn’t deserve less.
“We’ll be back, we’ll continue and there I’ll be leaving everything for the respect Madrid deserves, its people and everything that involves playing in the most winning team in history. Thank you,” Valverde wrote.
In contrast to their earlier El Clásico clashes this season—where Barcelona recorded comfortable victories of 4-0 and 5-2—this final was much tighter. After Pedri opened the scoring for Barcelona with a stunning goal, Kylian Mbappé responded for Madrid with a superb free-kick to equalize.
Madrid pushed forward and were rewarded when Aurelien Tchouameni headed them into the lead. However, Ferran Torres managed to beat Thibaut Courtois, forcing the match into extra time.
In the decisive moments, Jules Koundé struck from distance, finding the bottom corner to hand Barcelona a 3-2 win and the Copa del Rey title.
