Referee Ricardo de Burgos is set to play a central role in tonight’s Copa del Rey final between Barcelona and Real Madrid. The build-up to tonight’s showpiece occasion has been dominated by Real’s criticism of the match officials which culminated in the reigning European champions issuing a statement in which they denied having any intention of boycotting the match.

Controversy struck ahead of FC Barcelona's Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid, set to be held on Saturday, April 26. Madrid alleged animmosity and hostility from the referees towards the club and urged the federation to take action against them.

Real Madrid have decried statement's made by Saturday's Copa del Rey final referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea