The former Real Madrid legend, Toni Kroos, has opened up about the 2025 Copa del Rey final played on Saturday evening, which was won 3-2 by Barça. Relaxed despite the pain of the defeat, the German discussed what went wrong with his former teammates.
A few hours after Real Madrid’s latest defeat (3-2) to FC Barcelona this season, Toni Kroos broke his silence. Spotted alongside German tennis player Alexander Zverev on Sunday, the former Madrid midfielder, who has been retired for a few months, shared his thoughts on the performance of his former teammates. According to the Madrid legend, who is never shy about voicing his opinion on Carlo Ancelotti’s team whenever he has the chance to speak in public, the Copa del Rey final was decided by the finest of margins.
“Barça had a bit of luck, often that’s been in our favour in many Champions League finals. My teammates don’t need to regret my departure, the only thing I wish for is that Real Madrid wins,” Kroos confided.
A final decided by luck?
It must be said, Toni Kroos’ reaction may seem harmless, but it holds a lot of truth. Unlike the first two Clásicos of the season, where the Catalans were far superior, Real Madrid showed a much stronger side. Despite tactical errors in the first half and some key players, like Rodrygo, being out of form, Carlo Ancelotti’s men woke up, especially in the second half, and gave it their all. Had it not been for a misunderstanding between Courtois and Rüdiger leading to Barça’s equaliser, the story would have been very different.
When you look at how that goal came about and how the winning goal followed, with yet another misunderstanding between Brahim Diaz and Luka Modric, one could argue that luck was a decisive factor in this clash. In a few days, the two teams will meet again for a fourth Clásico. Now eliminated from all competitions, Real Madrid will focus on La Liga. The return match against the Catalans in the league will also be crucial for the title race.
Before leaving, Carlo Ancelotti could save face by winning this latest Clásico. Now with more days of rest than the Catalan team, who are playing in the Champions League, Real Madrid can prepare meticulously and correct the mistakes that cost them dearly last Saturday. As Toni Kroos said, there is no time to regret his retirement, which some consider too early. The important thing now is to better prepare and finish this season, which has been marked by several disappointments.
With a new coach, likely Xabi Alonso, the White House could rise from the ashes and show a better face next season.
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