As the 2024/25 season nears its dramatic conclusion, Real Madrid find themselves in an unfamiliar and precarious position. After suffering a humiliating 5-1 aggregate loss in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals and trailing Barcelona in La Liga by four points with just six games remaining, the upcoming Copa del Rey final against their arch-rivals may be Carlo Ancelotti’s last chance to save his job.
According to a report by Rodra, Real Madrid’s management is prepared to sack Ancelotti immediately after the Copa del Rey final should they lose to Barcelona — a scenario that now appears increasingly plausible.
Trophyless Season Now a Real Possibility for Real Madrid
Madrid, Spain – April 16: Dani Ceballos of Real Madrid looks dejected during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg match between Real Madrid C.F. and Arsenal FC at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 16, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Manu Reino /DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
Expectations are always sky-high at the Santiago Bernabéu, and this season, Ancelotti has failed to meet them. Crashing out of the Champions League in devastating fashion and falling behind in the league title race have cast a shadow over Real Madrid’s campaign.
The Copa del Rey final remains their only chance at silverware. But with Barcelona in better form and Real Madrid’s morale reportedly fractured, even that outcome is in serious doubt.
Dressing Room Turmoil Adds to the Pressure
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is present during the La Liga 2024/25 match between Real Madrid and Athletic Club at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, Spain, on April 20. (Photo by Guillermo Martinez/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Recent reports suggest that Ancelotti has lost the faith of his players. The Real Madrid dressing room has allegedly communicated their concerns about his tactics and decision-making to the board.
This internal unrest only intensifies the pressure on the Copa del Rey final, where the outcome could not only define the team’s season but also mark the end of an era for the veteran Italian coach.
What Happens if Real Madrid Lose the Copa del Rey Final?
Should Barcelona triumph in the Copa del Rey final, Florentino Perez is reportedly ready to act swiftly. Ancelotti could be dismissed within hours of the defeat, ending his second spell in charge of the club.
Real Madrid players celebrate victory during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 round of 16 second leg match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid at Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, Spain, on March 13. (Photo by Guillermo Martinez)
If that happens, Real Madrid plan to appoint either Santiago Solari or Raul Gonzalez as an interim manager. The caretaker will oversee the team through the remainder of the season and into the FIFA Club World Cup in July.
Copa del Rey Final: A Tactical Battle with High Stakes
Barcelona enter the Copa del Rey final as slight favorites, having displayed superior form in recent weeks. With stars like Pedri, Gavi, and Lewandowski firing on all cylinders, they present a significant threat to a Real Madrid side struggling for cohesion.
MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 21: Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona competes for the ball with Eduardo Camavinga of Real Madrid CF during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 21, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Ancelotti, on the other hand, must dig deep to find a tactical formula that can neutralize Barcelona’s attacking prowess while reigniting his own squad’s confidence.
Real Madrid’s Legacy at Stake in Copa del Rey Final
Real Madrid’s rich history demands trophies, and a season without silverware is deemed unacceptable by fans and board members alike. Ancelotti, a manager who has delivered Champions League titles and memorable nights, now finds himself on the brink.
The Copa del Rey final has thus taken on monumental importance — not just for the club’s season, but for its immediate future direction.
Final Thoughts: Make or Break at the Copa del Rey Final
MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 21: Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 21, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
All roads lead to the Copa del Rey final, where Barcelona and Real Madrid will meet in a classic El Clásico encounter. For Carlo Ancelotti, it may be the last stand. Victory could offer redemption and buy him more time. Defeat, however, will almost certainly lead to the end of his tenure.
As the pressure mounts, one thing is clear — the Copa del Rey final will be more than just a trophy match. It’s a managerial reckoning, a boardroom referendum, and possibly the beginning of a new chapter for Los Blancos.
Stay tuned as the football world braces for what promises to be a seismic night in Spanish football.